Amazing news, free mammogram age extension begins

Today is a momentous day for early detection in Aotearoa as the breast screening age extension roll-out begins in the Nelson-Marlborough district.    

From today, the age limit for free breast screening is being raised from 69 to 74 for women in the Nelson-Marlborough district.

Then from October 2025, all women around the country will be eligible until they turn 75. 

The decision to expand free screening to include 70-74 year olds was confirmed in the Government’s 2024 Budget back in May. Breast Cancer Foundation NZ first began calling for the screening age to be lifted in 2016.

A woman’s risk of breast cancer is higher at 70 than it is at 50 and research shows mammograms are still life-saving for women in their 70s. If your breast cancer is found by mammogram there is a 95% chance of survival. Mammograms can detect tumours long before a woman shows symptoms or can feel a lump. When found early, breast cancers are usually smaller and more treatable. We know that early detection saves lives. Today’s news is a wonderful result for wāhine in Aotearoa.

Justine Smyth, Chair of Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, says the charity is thrilled more women will be able to keep having free mammograms: “Extending the programme means more women can be diagnosed and treated earlier, giving them a better chance of surviving breast cancer. These women will be able to have two or three more free mammograms, and one of these could save their life…

“We are immensely grateful to Health Minister Dr Shane Reti for championing the age extension, both while in opposition and now in Government, and to the Government for upholding its election promise. It means a lot to the women of New Zealand to see the Government has taken concrete action to tackle breast cancer.”

Approximately 350 women aged 70-74 are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in Aotearoa. Extending screening to 74 brings NZ into line with Australia, Canada, France, Sweden, UK and many other countries.