About breast screening

Regular breast screening with a mammogram (an x-ray of your breasts) has many benefits.

• Regular mammograms can find 8 or 9 out of 10 of cancers.
• Regular mammograms can reduce your risk of dying from breast cancer by more than a third.
• Mammograms are free for eligible women.

Having a mammogram

You are eligible to enrol for free breast screening if you:  

• are a woman aged 45 to 69, or qualify for the extended screening age range up to age 74
• do not have symptoms of breast cancer such as a new lump, rash, nipple discharge, or changes in the shape or size of your breast 
• have not had a mammogram from another provider within the last 12 months 
• are not pregnant
• have been free of breast cancer for at least 5 years
• are eligible for public health services in Aotearoa New Zealand.  

Eligibility for publicly funded health services — Health New Zealandexternal link

If you are eligible and due for a mammogram with BreastScreen Aotearoa, you should receive an invitation by email, text or letter. You can enrol and book either:   

• online using the secure personalised link in your invitation
• by freephoning 0800 270 200

If you think you are eligible but have not received an invitation, let us know by calling the freephone number, or by completing the enrolment form. 

Sign up for your free mammogram

Once you have received your invitation, to confirm or reschedule your appointment you can either: 

• go online using the secure personalised link
• freephone 0800 270 200

Let us know if you:  

• are (or could be) pregnant
• have breast implants
• have any physical, mental, learning or sensory impairments, including any mobility limitations, for example, trouble moving your shoulder or arm, or needing a clinic with wheelchair access 
• are on hormone replacement therapy/menopause hormone therapy
• have a medical device or cardiac device (like a pacemaker or insulin pump)
• have had a mammogram in the past 12 months
• need translation or sign language support during your appointment
• have any other requirements that may make having a mammogram a bit harder.  

You are welcome to bring a support person or whānau member to your appointment, to be with you before and after your mammogram.

There are other publicly funded options available if you are not eligible for the free 2-yearly mammograms. Ask your healthcare provider the next time you see them.

Information for women under 45 and over 70 years old

BreastScreen Aotearoa currently offers free screening every 2 years for eligible women aged 45 to 69.

The programme is being extended, beginning with women aged 70 and 74.

Each October the age range will be extended by one year until all eligible women aged 70 to 74 are included. This will be fully in place by October 2029.

Information for women aged 70 and over

It is important that women of all ages take the time to learn the normal look and feel of their breasts. If you are concerned about anything at all, see your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

The Breast Cancer Foundation has information about taking care of your breasts, including screening options for women under 45 and others not eligible for the free screening programme.

Taking care of your breasts — Breast Cancer Foundationexternal link

Annual check-ups 

For the first 5 years after a breast cancer diagnosis, you will need close follow-up by a healthcare provider. This is because you are at increased risk of developing breast cancer again. These check-ups should include a clinical breast examination and an annual mammogram.  

BreastScreen Aotearoa does not currently arrange the annual check-ups following a breast cancer diagnosis as part of its programme. We recommend you continue to see your breast specialist or healthcare provider for these check-ups. They will organise an annual mammogram for you through the public hospital or at a private radiology practice. The mammogram is free if it is organised through the public hospital.  

If you have had a mastectomy, you can still have mammograms of the other breast.  

Enrol or re-enrol for free breast screening

After 5 years, you can enrol or re-enrol for your mammograms if you remain in the eligible age range.

Sign up for free breast screening

If you have any questions, contact the BreastScreen Aotearoa team by freephoning 0800 270 200