Women's Health

The key messages for breast screening are:

• Nearly 10% of women in New Zealand develop breast cancer.
• The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age.
• Free mammograms (breast x-rays) are available for women aged 45-69 years through BreastScreen Aotearoa.
• Screening mammograms detect breast cancer before you can feel or notice anything unusual.
• Early detection and treatment can save lives (and has saved lives).
• It is recommended that an eligible woman has a mammogram every two years.  
• Most women who have mammograms will be reassured they do not have breast cancer.
• Most women who develop breast cancer have no relatives with the disease.
• Women of any age who feel or notice anything unusual about their breasts should seek advice from their doctor.