Breast screening information for women aged 70 and over

The eligible age range for free breast screening for women through the BreastScreen Aotearoa (BSA) programme is being extended.

This means if you are a woman living in the Nelson Marlborough region, you are currently eligible for a free breast screen as part of this initiative if you:

• turn 70 on or after 1 October 2024
• are 74 provided you book your screen before you turn 75. 

If you live in the Nelson Marlborough region and turned 70 before 1 October 2024, or if you are 71, 72, 73 or 74 as at 1 October 2024, you will be eligible to receive a free screen when you turn/already are 74 (provided you book your screen before you turn 75).

For people living in the Nelson Marlborough region, the BSA programme is currently working with their screening partners to engage with eligible women.  

For all areas outside of Nelson and Marlborough, the eligible age range is currently still 45 to 69. 

The aim is to progressively extend the age range for free breast screening across the rest of Aotearoa New Zealand from October 2025.

You can now continue or enrol in the breast screening programme, if you:

• are a woman aged 70 (on or after 1 October 2024) or 74 and live in the Nelson Marlborough region 
• are eligible for public health services in Aotearoa New Zealand (external link)
• have not had a mammogram from another provider within the last 12 months.

Do not wait for your regular free breast screening mammogram if you have any symptoms of breast cancer, such as:

• a lump
• rash
• nipple discharge
• changes in the shape or size of your breast.

See your GP or community health professional as soon as possible.

Freephone 0800 270 200 to:

• join BreastScreen Aotearoa if you are eligible but not yet enrolled
• book a mammogram appointment if you are 70 (on or after 1 October 2024) or 74 and live in the Nelson Marlborough region. 

Check or update your contact details to make sure they are current.