01 Oct 2026
3 weeks ago
319 views
BreastScreen Aotearoa has expanded free breast screening to include women turning 71, continuing a four-year rollout that will eventually cover women aged 70 to 74, benefiting approximately 120,000 more women. The government has increased capacity with four new mobile units and five new or upgraded sites to improve access, particularly in rural areas, leading to early detection of hundreds of breast cancers since the program began. This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance women's health in New Zealand, including upcoming free cervical screening and improved endometriosis diagnosis.
27 May 2026
5 months ago
868 views
New Zealand is preparing to integrate AI technology into its national breast screening program to enhance early detection and improve outcomes for women, with a planned rollout starting in early 2027. The AI tool will support one of the two independent mammogram reads, assisting clinicians without replacing them, thereby addressing growing demand while maintaining expert oversight. This evidence-based approach aims to increase cancer detection rates and ensure timely, accurate results, ultimately improving survival rates for the approximately 3,400 women diagnosed with breast cancer annually.
21 May 2026
5 months ago
987 views
Pink Ribbon Day highlights the importance of early breast cancer detection, with over 16,440 women aged 70 to 74 already benefiting from free screening since eligibility was extended last year. The nationwide age extension, part of a four-year rollout, has led to the detection of 190 breast cancers in this group, potentially improving treatment outcomes through earlier diagnosis. Health Minister Simeon Brown emphasizes that expanding screening programs supports early detection, better recovery chances, and strengthens New Zealand's healthcare future.
12 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1325 views
Health New Zealand is exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance breast screening services, aiming to support radiologists, reduce workload, and improve early detection for women. This initiative involves consulting experts and assessing international AI applications to ensure safe, effective, and patient-centered screening while maintaining clinical oversight. The effort builds on recent program improvements and seeks to future-proof breast screening, ensuring timely access and better outcomes for New Zealand women.
15 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1436 views
A new fixed breast screening site has opened in Waikanae on the Kāpiti Coast, providing women with easier access to mammograms closer to home. The purpose-built facility offers a more comfortable and spacious environment than the previous mobile unit, with upgraded equipment and IT systems. Health Minister Simeon Brown and Women’s Minister Nicola Grigg emphasize the importance of early detection through screening, especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting the effectiveness of mammograms in improving survival rates for women with breast cancer.
15 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1696 views
The nationwide breast screening age extension is progressing, with women aged 70 and 74 now eligible for free screening, marking the first step in a four-year rollout to include women aged 71 to 73 in subsequent years. The initiative aims to provide around 130,000 more women with screening every two years, allowing for early detection of breast cancer and improved survival rates. The extension, part of the Government's 100-Day Plan, is supported by increased staffing, upgraded equipment, and a new digital platform to enhance accessibility and efficiency in breast screening services.