Regular mammograms save lives
Mammograms help find cancer as early as possible by showing changes inside the breast before anything can be felt. You are more likely to survive breast cancer, and treatments may be easier, when cancers are found early and are small.
In Aotearoa New Zealand, women found to have breast cancer through screening are less likely to die from it than those who find breast cancer and are not in the screening programme. Screening has reduced deaths from breast cancer by one third.
Cohort and case control analyses of breast cancer mortality — Health New Zealandexternal link
While some cancers develop quite slowly over years, others can grow more quickly. It is important to find any cancer as early as possible before it grows and spreads.
This is why it is important to get regular mammograms — it gives you the best chance of picking up any changes. You just need to sign up to get an appointment time.
What you need to know
It is your choice whether or not to have regular mammograms to check for breast cancer. You can opt out of the programme at any time. You can also rejoin at any time, as long as you remain eligible.
If you decide not to participate in the programme, you or your healthcare provider can still arrange your mammograms with another service, but they may not be free, and results will not be recorded with BreastScreen Aotearoa.
To help you decide, watch this video and read the information below.
Breast screening, let's walk through it — YouTubeexternal link
Breast cancers found through screening are usually smaller and less likely to have spread to other parts of the body than cancers discovered through other ways, such as feeling a lump yourself. Finding breast cancers early may mean less extensive treatments and better long-term outcomes.
For women who participate in screening, mammograms can find 8 or 9 out of 10 cancers. It is still important to look for any changes to your breasts between mammograms, and to talk to your healthcare provider about these immediately.
Eligible women aged 45 to 69, or who qualify for the age range extension for women aged 70 to 74, can get a free mammogram. For most women these will be every 2 years. For women aged 70 to 74, it will depend on your birth date. Once you sign up, we will send you an invitation by email, text or letter whenever you are due for a mammogram.
If you think you are eligible but have not received an invitation, let us know by freephoning 0800 270 200 or by completing the sign up form.
Sign up for free breast screening
A screening mammogram can find small breast cancers that would not be found if you were not screened. Some of these cancers might never grow enough during your lifetime to become life-threatening. This is true for up to 1 in 10 of the cancers found by breast screening. This is called overdiagnosis.
It is not possible to tell which of these cancers are going to become harmful and which will not, so treatment will be offered for every cancer. You will be able to discuss your treatment options with your specialist.
A mammogram may look normal even if there is cancer somewhere in a breast. In women aged 45 to 69, about 1 or 2 out of 10 cancers are not found by mammograms.
Like all x-rays, mammograms expose you to a very small amount of radiation, similar to a having regular chest x-ray, and very unlikely to cause harm.
Breast screening can be uncomfortable or painful for some women as well as worrying. You may bring a support person or family member if you would like someone with you before and after your mammogram.
Talk with your doctor, nurse or hauora provider about breast screening.
It is important that you take the time to learn the normal look and feel of your breasts. Even if you are having regular screening, a cancer can develop and be diagnosed between mammograms (this is called an interval cancer).
Some signs of breast cancer can include:
- a new lump in the breast or armpit
- changes to the breast shape or size
- changes to the skin of the breast such as dimpling, puckering, or thickening
- changes in the nipple, such as turning inwards, ulcers, or a new itch
- nipple discharge or bleeding
- persistent redness
- pain in the breast that does not go away.
If you notice any of these, do not wait for your next mammogram, see your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Going for your mammogram
Once you have booked in a breast screen appointment, here are a few things you can do to help you feel more comfortable and prepared.
During your appointment, you’ll be asked to undress from the waist up.
We recommend wearing a top with trousers or a skirt to make it easier.
No matter what you wear, you are welcome to bring a lavalava to preserve your modesty during screening. If you wear jewellery – including cultural or faith-based – you may be asked to remove it before your mammogram. You can keep it with you, in a pocket, during the appointment.
These products can affect the x-ray image, so it’s best not to use them on the day of your appointment:
- creams or lotions (including self-tan)
- deodorant or antiperspirant
- perfumes
- body oils
- powders
- sunscreen.
Do not worry if you forget, most locations can provide a cloth or wipes. Just let your mammographer know.
Your mammogram will usually take around 15 to 30 minutes. The mammogram itself usually takes about 10 minutes but it is always good to give yourself extra time just in case there is a short wait.
You are welcome to bring a family member or friend to support you before and after your mammogram.
If you let us know when making your appointment, we can offer more support for mobility limitations, and for physical, mental, learning or sensory impairments.
Translation or sign language support can also be provided for your appointment if you let us know these are needed.
At your mammogram appointment
When you arrive at the clinic or mobile unit:
- give the receptionist your name and details
- read and sign a form to agree to have the mammogram.
When your name is called, you will be shown to a private area to undress and given a cape or gown to cover yourself from the waist up.
You will meet the person doing your mammogram. Let them know if you:
- are (or could be) pregnant
- have breast implants
- are on hormone replacement or menopause hormone therapy
- have a medical or cardiac device (like an insulin pump or pacemaker).
- found your last mammogram painful.
During your mammogram
The mammographer will try to make you feel as comfortable as possible. If your last mammogram was painful or you have any questions or concerns, let them know.
- To get the best picture the mammographer will need to flatten your breasts between 2 plastic plates. Some people find it uncomfortable, but if it hurts, let them know straight away.
- They will ask you to stand close to the machine and hold very still for about a minute while they take the pictures.
- Normally they will take 2 pictures of each breast. But if you have large breasts they may need to take more.
- Your mammographer will quickly check the quality of the pictures, then let you know when your mammogram is finished.
Sometimes you will be asked to have another mammogram because the first one was not clear enough. This is just a technical check, not because an abnormality has been found.
Getting your mammogram results
We will send your results to you within 3 weeks.
We will also send them to your healthcare provider unless you ask us not to. Sending your results to your healthcare provider helps them stay up to date with your health.
If you have not heard from us
If you have not heard from us after 3 weeks, call the BreastScreen Aotearoa team, freephone 0800 270 200
Follow up assessments
If anything shows up on your mammogram that needs to be checked, you will be asked to come back for an assessment. This is when a radiologist (a doctor who specialises in reading mammograms) takes a closer look at what was found.
The assessment may include:
- having another mammogram
- an ultrasound scan of the area of interest
- a physical breast examination — done by a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or nurse
- a needle biopsy (taking a sample of tissue from your breast and sending it to the laboratory to be examined under a microscope).
Surgical biopsy
You may need a surgical biopsy. This biopsy is done under a general anaesthetic. If you need a surgical biopsy, we will make another appointment for you.
Planning for your assessment
You should plan to be at your assessment all day. We know it can be an anxious time for you. You may want to bring a support person or whānau member to the appointment with you.
Your support person may need to stay in the waiting room during some of the tests, but they are welcome to take part in any of the discussions with you on the day.
Your assessment results
We will let you know when to expect your results. If you have had a biopsy, we will make an appointment for you to see a specialist to talk about the results.
If your assessment shows you have breast cancer, we will help you choose a specialist who will provide advice and treatment.