In December 1998, BreastScreen Aotearoa was established nationally to provide free mammograms and follow-up for asymptomatic women aged 50 to 64 years.

Along with the National Cervical Screening Programme, BreastScreen Aotearoa was administered by the Health Funding Authority (HFA) until the merging of the HFA and the Ministry of Health in December 2000.

In July 2004, the eligible age range for free breast screening was extended from 50-64 to 45-69, effectively doubling the number of women able to take part in the programme.

The aim of BSA is to reduce women’s morbidity and mortality from breast cancer by identifying cancers at an early stage, allowing treatment to be commenced sooner than might otherwise have been possible. The current coverage target is for two-yearly screening of 70 percent of eligible women. The programme is delivered throughout the country by lead providers, their sub-contracted providers, and mobile units that deliver services to rural and some urban communities.

Working alongside the lead providers are nine independent service providers in defined geographical areas providing health promotion for Māori and Pacific women.