BreastScreen Aotearoa offers free mammograms

Women aged 45 to 69 can get a free mammogram every two years through BreastScreen Aotearoa, and The Fono has coordinators who help with the appointment.

The Fono says many women feel nervous before a first breast screening, and that myths about the appointment are common. It says a short appointment every two years can help detect breast cancer early, before any symptoms appear.

Free screening is also being extended step by step to women aged 70 to 74. Eligibility for that group depends on age and birth date during the phased rollout.

Before your appointment

Eligible women who are due for screening should receive an invitation by email, text or letter. The invitation has a secure personalised link for booking, or women can call BreastScreen Aotearoa on 0800 270 200.

Anyone who thinks they are eligible but has not received an invitation can call BreastScreen Aotearoa or complete the online enrolment form. The same link or phone number can be used to change an appointment.

Women who need help with translating forms, interpretation or wheelchair access should tell the clinic when booking. They may need extra support or a longer appointment.

At the appointment

On arrival, women may need to fill in a form with contact information and other details. The radiographer, who is the person doing the mammogram, then collects them from the waiting area.

The Fono says the female radiographer takes women to a private changing area. Only clothes on the top half of the body come off, and a gown goes on.

In the screening room, it is just the woman and the radiographer. The radiographer talks through each step and answers questions, and the appointment usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes.

The Fono suggests a few ways to make the day easier. Avoid deodorant, creams, lotions or powders on the breasts or underarms, as these can affect the X-ray images. A skirt and top is easier than a dress, and jewellery or taonga may need to come off if it interferes with the equipment.

Women should bring a client detail form if they already have one. If previous mammograms were done elsewhere, tell the clinic so results can be compared. Glasses are handy for filling out forms.

Getting your results

Results are usually ready within three weeks, and The Fono says most are clear. Anyone who has not heard anything after 3 weeks should call BreastScreen Aotearoa on 0800 270 200.

The Fono says its Breast Screen coordinators are trained to support women at every step. They help schedule the appointment, go along for support and drive women to and from the appointment if needed.

The coordinators also help with interpretation and translation, fill out forms and keep track of appointments. They support women through their results and, if needed, treatment.

To talk about a first or next mammogram, call Salome on 021 0266 8485 or email [email protected].