{"product_id":"having-a-mammogram-english-large-print-he10114-elp","title":"Having a mammogram – English Large Print - HE10114-ELP","description":"\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ch4 class=\"level-four-heading\"\u003eBreastScreen Aotearoa\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"level-four-heading\"\u003eAdapted in 2026 by Accessible Formats Service, Blind Low Vision NZ, Auckland\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"level-four-heading\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTranscriber's Note: \u003c\/strong\u003eThe logo at the top of the page is BreastScreen Aotearoa and a circle with \"Time to screen\" inside.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"level-four-heading\"\u003eHaving a mammogram\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"level-four-heading\"\u003eThis information is from BreastScreen Aotearoa.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"level-four-heading\"\u003eBreastScreen Aotearoa is New Zealand's free national breast screening service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"level-four-heading\"\u003eWomen aged 45 to 69 (with eligibility currently being rolled out to 74) are eligible for free mammograms every two years through the BreastScreen Aotearoa Service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"level-four-heading\"\u003eThis information is about what a mammogram is and why having one every two years is important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"level-four-heading\"\u003eIt explains how you can prepare for your mammogram. It also explains the process involved in having your mammogram and how you will get the results of your mammogram.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"level-four-heading\"\u003eOur contact number is \u003ca href=\"Tel:0800270200\" title=\"call 0800 270 200\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e0800 270 200\u003c\/a\u003e If you are Deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, speech impaired or find it hard to talk, you can use \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.nzrelay.co.nz\/index\"\u003eNew Zealand Relay Services\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"level-four-heading\"\u003eThis information is to help you prepare for your mammogram\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"level-four-heading\"\u003eA mammogram is an x-ray that takes pictures showing the inside of your breast. The pictures are then given to two specialist doctors to check for signs of breast cancer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"level-four-heading\"\u003eYour mammogram pictures are not checked for other health problems, such as problems with breast implants. If you notice any changes to your breasts, please see your doctor straight away, as these need to be investigated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"level-four-heading\"\u003eYour mammogram is free.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"level-four-heading\"\u003eFinding the BreastScreen Aotearoa clinics and mobile units\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"level-four-heading\"\u003eYou can have your mammogram at a BreastScreen Aoteoroa clinic or mobile unit. Most are wheelchair accessible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"level-four-heading\"\u003eYou can phone us for free to\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003efind out whether a clinic or mobile unit is wheelchair friendly\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003efind out where the clinic or mobile unit closest to you is\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003efind out when the mobile unit will be near you\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003echange where you have your mammogram\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003econfirm your enrolment if this is your first mammogram\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ebook your mammogram appointment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"level-four-heading\"\u003eIf you received an invitation to screen via text, there will be a link you can use in that text to change your screening invitation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"level-four-heading\"\u003eYou can also phone us for free to change your appointment if you need to.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"level-four-heading\"\u003eWhat do I do now?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"level-four-heading\"\u003eBefore you have your first mammogram you need to confirm your enrolment and book your appointment. You can do this using the link in the invitation you received by text. You can also do this by phoning us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 class=\"level-four-heading\"\u003eBefore each appointment, we will ask if you:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"level-four-heading\"\u003ehave had a mammogram before\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"level-four-heading\"\u003eneed wheelchair access\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"level-four-heading\"\u003eneed an interpreter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"level-four-heading\"\u003ehave problems moving your shoulder or arm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"level-four-heading\"\u003ehave breast implants\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"level-four-heading\"\u003ehave a cardiac device such as a pacemaker.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can provide this information using the link in the invitation you received by text or by phoning us. To make sure we provide for your needs, we may need to change your appointment or give you a longer appointment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOn the day of your mammogram\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSome things can make it harder to see cancers when we do your mammogram. To help us, please do not use the following on your breasts or in your armpits on the day when you are having your mammogram\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003edeodorant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003etalcum powder\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003emoisturiser\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003esunscreen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eperfume\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ecreams\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you forget on the day and have used something on your breast or armpit before your mammogram, please tell the person who takes the mammogram - the Medical Imaging Technologist (MIT). They will give you a cloth to wipe it off.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThis is what will happen when you have your mammogram\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"level-four-heading\"\u003eYou will be asked to undress from the waist up. Please wear a top that is easy to take off, like a shirt or jersey.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"level-four-heading\"\u003eYou can wear a taonga, but you may need to have it hanging down your back during your mammogram. You may find it easier to remove your jewellery.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOther helpful things to bring or say when you have your mammogram\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBring your reading glasses in case you need them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTell the person taking the mammogram if you have breast implants or are on hormone replacement therapy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTell the person taking the mammogram if you have a cardiac device such as a pacemaker.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour appointment should take 20 to 30 minutes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou may bring a support person or whānau member if you would like someone with you before and after your mammogram. They will be asked to wait for you outside the room when you have your mammogram. This is because x-rays are taken during the process.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThis is what happens when you arrive for your mammogram\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe receptionist will ask your name and details when you arrive\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou will be asked to read and sign a digital form to agree to have a mammogram\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYour name will be called\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou will be offered a cape or gown and shown to a private area\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou will be asked to undress from the waist up\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou will be given a gown or something to cover yourself with if you would like one\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYou will go into the area with the mammogram machine\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe person who takes the mammogram (the Medical Imaging Technologist or MIT) will also be in the room.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll our Medical Imaging Technologists are women.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you have any questions or concerns, talk to the Medical Imaging Technologist.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThis is what happens during a mammogram\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Medical Imaging Technologist will have you stand close to the mammogram machine and pull back your gown or covering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Medical Imaging Technologist will put one of your breasts between two plates on the machine and will move your breast around until it is in the right place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Medical Imaging Technologist will bring the plates together to press your breast firmly for up to a minute while they take an x-ray.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDoes it hurt to have a mammogram?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou might find that having your breast pressed firmly is uncomfortable. It does not harm your breasts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Medical Imaging Technologist will try to make you comfortable. If you find it painful it is important to tell the Medical Imaging Technologist so they can make you more comfortable. You also have the right to ask for the mammogram to be stopped.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou will be asked to stand very still for up to a minute while the Medical Imaging Technologist takes at least two x-ray pictures of your breast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA mammogram can x-ray breasts of all sizes. It can be more difficult to get good x-ray pictures of large breasts. If you have large breasts, the radiographer may need to reposition each breast more often and take more pictures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Medical Imaging Technologist will check that the position of your breast is correct in each x-ray and that the x-ray is not blurry. This means that your x-rays will be good enough to send to a radiologist (a specialist doctor).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Medical Imaging Technologist is not checking for cancer. Only a radiologist can check your x-rays for cancer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce the Medical Imaging Technologist has good x-rays, they will let you know your mammogram is finished and you can get dressed and leave.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy is it important to press the breasts so firmly between the plates?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaking your breast thin helps the x-ray show very small details. It keeps the breast still to give a clear x-ray image of the inside of your breast. It also reduces the radiation dose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOther things to know\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFamily history\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWomen who have a family history of breast cancer have a slightly greater chance of developing the disease.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, most of these women do not develop breast cancer. Most women who get breast cancer will have no family history of the disease. This is why it is important for all women to be aware of any changes to their breasts and to have regular mammograms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHormone Replacement Therapy\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are taking hormone replacement therapy, it can make it harder for an x-ray to show what is happening inside your breast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBreast implants\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease tell the Medical Imaging Technologist if you have breast implants before your mammogram. Implants can hide some of your breast tissue, making it more difficult to detect cancer. More x-rays may be needed than usual. There is also a very small risk a breast implant could be damaged during a mammogram. This risk increases for older implants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more information talk with your doctor, nurse or hauora provider, visit \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Time to BreastScreen\" href=\"http:\/\/TimeToBreastScreen.nz\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eTimeToBreastScreen.nz\u003c\/a\u003e or freephone \u003ca href=\"Tel:0800270200\" title=\"call 0800 270 200\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e0800 270 200\u003c\/a\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhen do I get my results?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt least two specialist doctors will look at the x-ray pictures from your mammogram to check for signs of cancer. BreastScreen Aotearoa will contact you about your results within two to three weeks. Your results will also be sent to your doctor unless you tell us not to. This helps your doctor stay up to date with your health. Please call us by freephoning \u003ca href=\"Tel:0800270200\" title=\"call 0800 270 200\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e0800 270 200\u003c\/a\u003e if your results do not arrive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA small number of women will be asked to come back for another mammogram because their pictures are not clear enough.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eYour information\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour records and mammograms are stored securely and confidentially by BreastScreen Aotearoa under the Health Information Privacy Code. To help monitor the quality of the breast screening programme, BreastScreen Aotearoa may collect:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003einformation about the treatment you have received and may need in the future\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eyour clinical information, mammograms and reports\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy collecting this information, your mammograms will be able to be checked more accurately.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInformation from the breast screening programme can be collected by Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora or its agents using your National Health Index Number. Your National Health Index Number is the unique seven-character identifier that is a mixture of numbers and letters that is assigned to everyone using health services in New Zealand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eYour rights\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour rights are protected by the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights. These rights are available in accessible formats here \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.hdc.org.nz\/your-rights\/the-code-and-your-rights\/your-rights-when-using-a-health-or-disability-service-what-to-do-if-you-have-any-concerns\/\"\u003eYour rights what to do if you have any concerns - all formats — Health \u0026amp; Disability Commissioner\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll BreastScreen Aotearoa facilities have to meet national quality standards, which are independently checked.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can ask for more information about your rights when you visit a BreastScreen Aotearoa clinic or mobile unit. You can also read more about your rights at \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Health \u0026amp; Disability Commissioner - To Toihau Hauora, Hauātanga\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hdc.org.nz\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eHealth and Disability Commissioner — Te Toihau Hauora, Hauātanga — Health \u0026amp; Disability Commissioner\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Health Information Privacy Code protects your privacy. You can read about the code at \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Office of the Privacy Commissioner\" href=\"https:\/\/privacy.org.nz\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eOffice of the Privacy Commissioner | Home\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo find out how to make a complaint or to opt out of BreastScreen Aotearoa, freephone \u003ca href=\"Tel:0800270200\" title=\"call 0800 270 200\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e0800 270 200\u003c\/a\u003e You can also contact an advocate from the Office of the Health and Disability Commission for help on \u003ca href=\"Tel:0800112233\" title=\"call 0800 11 22 33\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e0800 11 22 33\u003c\/a\u003e If you are Deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, speech impaired or find it hard to talk, you can use \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.nzrelay.co.nz\/index\"\u003eNew Zealand Relay Services\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is an online calculator to find out your eligibility. The calculator is not in alternate formats and may not be accessible. If you need help to access it, you can ask a family member, friend or your GP. You can find the calculator here: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.healthnz.govt.nz\/health-topics\/keeping-healthy\/cancer-screening\/breast-screening\/breast-screening-information-for-women-aged-70-and-over?gad_campaignid=23128151937\u0026amp;gad_source=5#age-extension-eligibility-calculator-17573\"\u003eBreast screening information for women aged 70 and over\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLink to full document\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/healthed.govt.nz\/products\/having-a-mammogram-english-he10114\"\u003eHaving a mammogram – English - HE10114 – HealthEd\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eContact details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur contact number is \u003ca href=\"Tel:0800270200\" title=\"call 0800 270 200\" target=\"_blank\"\u003e0800 270 200\u003c\/a\u003e If you are Deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, speech impaired or find it hard to talk, you can use \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.nzrelay.co.nz\/index\"\u003eNew Zealand Relay Services\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can phone us to enrol, book or change your free mammogram appointment if you are eligible for screening. Hours of operation for the phone line depend on the service hours of your regional provider.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor general enquiries about screening, email \u003ca href=\"mailto:screening@health.govt.nz\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"screening@health.govt.nz\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003escreening@health.govt.nz\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor support in your area to help overcome barriers to screening go to \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.healthnz.govt.nz\/health-topics\/keeping-healthy\/cancer-screening\/breast-screening\/screening-support-services-in-aotearoa-new-zealand#eligibility-for-breast-screening-support-4140\"\u003eScreening Support Services in Aotearoa New Zealand\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor more information about screening, including the location of your local screening service provider, go to \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.healthnz.govt.nz\/health-topics\/keeping-healthy\/cancer-screening\/breast-screening\"\u003eBreast screening\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEnd of Having a mammogram\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"HealthEd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49358555971812,"sku":"HE10114-ELP","price":0.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0102\/6916\/3582\/files\/HE10114.png?v=1783550709","url":"https:\/\/healthed.govt.nz\/products\/having-a-mammogram-english-large-print-he10114-elp","provider":"HealthEd","version":"1.0","type":"link"}