Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer for women in New Zealand, affecting 1 in 9 women over their lifetime, and accounts for more than 600 deaths in Aotearoa every year. While there is no certain way to prevent breast cancer, there are things that can be done to reduce the risk and catch it early.

A mammogram is essentially a low-power x-ray that is the most common way to scan for and detect breast cancer. In New Zealand, you can get a free breast screening mammogram every two years if you meet certain criteria:

• Aged 45-69
• Have no symptoms of breast cancer
• Haven’t had a mammogram in the past 12 months
• Not currently breastfeeding or pregnant
• Eligible for public health services in New Zealand.

Breast screening, or mammograms, are the best way to catch breast cancer early. This is because they can detect changes and abnormalities in breast tissue before anything can be seen or felt. The earlier breast cancer is caught, the better the chance of successful treatment.

It is estimated that breast screening mammograms reduce the chance of dying from breast cancer by 30% and can detect 80-90% of unsuspected breast cancers in women in the appropriate age range. There is also no reason to worry about whether they are safe or not, as the radiation levels used in the screenings are extremely low.

To find out more about mammograms, or to sign up for one, you can click here.