Free breast screening extends to women aged 71 from today
New Zealand expands free breast screening to women aged 71 from today, part of a four-year rollout to detect breast cancer earlier in more women.
From today, women turning 71 become eligible for free breast screening as part of BreastScreen Aotearoa’s age extension programme, following the inclusion of 70- and 74-year-olds last October. Health Minister Simeon Brown states that extending screening will help detect more cancers early, when treatment is most effective. The Government has added four new mobile screening units to the national fleet, bringing the total to 14, each capable of screening around 5,000 women annually. These units aim to reduce travel distances for women in provincial, small-town, and rural areas.
Five new or redeveloped screening sites have been established in Whangārei, Takapuna, Greenlane, Kāpiti, and Counties Manukau to support the expanded programme. Women’s Minister Nicola Grigg highlights that over 26,000 women in the newly eligible age groups have already been screened since the rollout began, with 363 breast cancers detected. She emphasises that early detection prevents more complex treatment later and urges eligible women to book their free mammogram every two years.
The Government notes that screening is only effective if women participate, and encourages those turning 71 to watch for and act on their invitation. Minister Grigg stresses the importance of reminding eligible women to book their screenings, describing the process as quick, free, and life-saving. The expansion aligns with broader women’s health initiatives, including free cervical screening for all eligible women from 1 March 2027 and new guidance for GPs to diagnose endometriosis without surgery.
The age extension programme is part of a four-year plan to gradually include women aged 71, 72, and 73 by October each year. The Government states it is committed to improving women’s health outcomes by finding problems earlier, removing barriers to care, and ensuring timely treatment. The programme aims to address disparities in screening access across New Zealand, particularly in underserved regions.