Breast screening is being extended - HE10137

Free mammograms are currently offered to women between the ages of 45 to 69 every 2 years.

In October 2025 the age for free breast screening will start to be extended across New Zealand (apart from Nelson and Marlborough, which started as a pilot district in October 2024*).

Extending the age to include all women up to the age of 74 will be fully in place by the end of 2029. Phasing in each age group over 4 years will allow breast screening and cancer treatment services to meet the additional demand.

In October 2025 the age extension for further breast screening begins with women in the two age groups of 70 and 74.

What does this mean for me?

• If you turn 70 on or AFTER 1 October 2025
  You are eligible for free mammograms every 2 years (from your last screen) until aged 75.
  Note: you may have screened at 69 and won’t be due again at 70.
• If you are 70 to 74 BEFORE 1 October 2025
  You are eligible for one final screen at age 74, if booked before turning 75.

*If you live in the Nelson and Marlborough district

Age extension started in October 2024, which means:

• If you turned 70 on or AFTER 1 October 2024
  You are eligible for free mammograms every 2 years (from your last screen) until aged 75.
  Note: you may have screened at 69 and won’t be due again at 70.
• If you are 70 to 74 BEFORE 1 October 2024
  You are eligible for one final screen at age 74, if booked before turning 75. 

For further information please go to About breast screening or freephone 0800 270 700