New mobile units expand access to breast screening
Four new mobile breast screening units have been delivered in New Zealand to expand free screening access for women aged 70 to 74 by 2028, including a self-drive unit to reach remote areas.
The Health Minister and Women’s Minister announced the delivery of four new mobile breast screening units, increasing annual screening capacity as free services expand to women aged 70 to 74 by 2028. Each unit is equipped with a mammography machine, IT for image transmission, and an internal waiting area, aiming to screen around 5,000 women annually. The mobile units will travel to provincial centres, small towns, and rural communities, reducing travel barriers for women in remote locations.
The Waitematā Northland unit is the only self-drive mobile screening unit in New Zealand, allowing staff to move it independently rather than relying on a transport company. Its smaller size and maneuverability enable access to previously underserved areas such as Russell, Hokianga, and Panguru, where larger units could not reach. This addresses significant travel barriers for women in geographically isolated communities.
Four new or redeveloped breast screening sites have been established in Whangārei, Takapuna, Greenlane, and Kāpiti, with Counties Manukau expected to open this month. The age extension to 70–74 will make approximately 120,000 more women eligible for free screening over time, with the rollout beginning in October 2025.
Since the rollout began, 42,768 women aged 70 to 74 have been invited for screening, with 24,470 screened and 339 breast cancers detected in this group. The Ministers emphasized the importance of early detection and encouraged eligible women to book mammograms promptly. Additional initiatives include new endometriosis guidelines and free cervical screening from March 2027.