A mammogram is a safe, low-dose x-ray of the breast that can pick up very small breast cancers, well before a lump can be felt.
Women have a 95% chance of surviving breast cancer five years or longer if the cancer is detected by a mammogram. Because the risk of breast cancer increases as you get older, BCFNZ recommends women consider having regular screening from age 40. From age 45, you can book your free mammogram with BreastScreen Aotearoa! Freephone 0800 270 200.
Having a mammogram
A screening mammogram is an x-ray of the breasts and is used to detect breast cancer before it shows any signs or symptoms. Early detection can reduce the chance of dying from breast cancer by approximately one third, as small, early cancers are easier to treat. Screen-detected cancers are also more likely to be treated without having to completely remove the breast.
Jackie Clarke, one of our wonderful ambassadors, let the public tag along to her mammogram for the TV show Kiwi Living. Check it out here.
Book a mammogram
Book your mammogram with BreastScreen Aotearoa! Freephone
You can have a free mammogram every two years if you’re an eligible woman aged 45 to 69 years, although the Government has announced they intend to progressively increase the age for free breast screening to 74. (The Government has committed to "progressively increasing" the upper limit to 74 and you can enroll when this age extension comes into effect.)
Go to Having a mammogram to find out what’s involved.
What about thermography?
Thermography, a technique which uses a thermal camera to record heat distribution in the breast, isn't supported by BCFNZ.