Health NZ is hiring more staff, adding mammography and ultrasound machines, and opening new screening sites Photo: AFP
Tens of thousands more women will soon be eligible for free breast screening, as the government begins a nationwide age extension for the programme.
From this week, women aged 70 and 74 will be able to access free mammograms - the first step in a four-year rollout confirmed by Health Minister Simeon Brown and Women's Minister Nicola Grigg on Wednesday.
"Breast cancer remains the most common cancer affecting New Zealand women," Brown said.
"This is an important step forward in catching cancer earlier, saving lives, and ensuring women across New Zealand have access to timely, quality, life-saving care."
About 30,600 extra women are expected to be screened in the first year. Until now, free screening was available to women aged 45 to 69 every two years.
The eligibility age will continue to expand each October over the next three years to also include women aged 71, 72 and 73.
When fully rolled out, about 130,000 more women will be eligible for free screening every two years - an average of two to three extra mammograms each.
Brown said the step-by-step approach would ensure health services could keep up with demand while still providing good care.
Health NZ was hiring more staff, adding mammography and ultrasound machines, and opening new screening sites, including four mobile units, Brown said.
Grigg said early detection through screening remained "the most powerful tool" in improving survival rates.
"Each year, around 3400 New Zealand women are diagnosed with breast cancer," she said.
Women's Minister Nicola Grigg Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
"Once the full age extension is in place, it's expected to detect breast cancer earlier in about 60 more women annually - giving them a far better chance of successful treatment."
The move was also expected to improve outcomes for Māori and Pacific women, who are less likely to take part in screening but face higher breast cancer rates.
The government announced the age extension in April last year and has been trialling the approach in Nelson and Marlborough since last October.
Women would be automatically invited through Te Puna, the new digital breast screening platform, or could enrol online at TimeToBreastScreen.nz or free phone 0800 270 200.
"This technology is already helping more women get screened on time, ensuring more cancers are caught early," Brown said.
"By extending free screening and harnessing smart digital tools, we're making it easier for women to get the care they need, when they need it."
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