{"product_id":"screening-for-breast-cancer-joining-breastscreen-aotearoa-english-large-print-he10113-elp","title":"Screening for breast cancer: Joining BreastScreen Aotearoa - English Large Print - HE10113-ELP","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003e Screening for breast cancer: joining BreastScreen Aotearoa\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eBreastScreen Aotearoa\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAdapted in 2026 by Accessible Formats Service, Blind Low Vision NZ, Auckland\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eTranscriber's Note: The logo at the top of the page is BreastScreen Aotearoa and a circle with \"Time to screen\" inside.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis information is from BreastScreen Aotearoa.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eBreastScreen Aotearoa is New Zealand’s free national breast screening service that checks for signs of breast cancer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eIf you have any questions after reading this information phone us on \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"0800 270 200\" href=\"Tel:0800%20270%20200\" 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\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eBreast screening and cancer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eBreast screening means having a mammogram every two years to check for signs of breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in New Zealand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eScreening saves lives by finding breast cancers before there are even any symptoms.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eMost breast cancers are curable if found and treated early before they can grow or spread.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eWhat is a mammogram?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eA mammogram is a type of x-ray. It is a digital picture that shows the inside of your breast to check for any signs of breast cancer. During a mammogram, each breast is pressed firmly between two plates for up to a minute so clear pictures can be taken.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor information about what happens during a mammogram please read or listen to our resource \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/healthed.govt.nz\/products\/having-a-mammogram-english-he10114\"\u003eHaving a mammogram – English - HE10114 – HealthEd\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMammograms are done at clinics and mobile units throughout New Zealand. Anyone who is eligible is automatically invited to enrol and participation is free.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eEarly detection is your best protection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eJoining BreastScreen Aotearoa and booking your mammogram\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eIf you are eligible and due for a mammogram with BreastScreen Aotearoa, you should receive an invitation via email, text or letter. You can enrol and book:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eonline using the secure personalised link in your invitation\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003ecall us on \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"0800 270 200\" href=\"Tel:0800%20270%20200\" 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\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eIf you think you are eligible but have not received an invitation, please let us know by calling us or by completing the enrolment form available at \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.healthnz.govt.nz\/health-topics\/keeping-healthy\/cancer-screening\/breast-screening\"\u003eBreast screening\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAm I eligible?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eYou are eligible to participate in BreastScreen Aotearoa if all of the points in the list below apply to you:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eare a woman aged 45 to 69 or qualify for the extended age range up to age 74\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003ehave no symptoms of breast cancer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003ehave not had a mammogram in the last 12 months\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eare not pregnant\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eare entitled to public health services in New Zealand\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003ehave been free of breast cancer for at least 5 years\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eThere is an online calculator to check your eligibility by age. 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 at \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\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eIf you are not eligible, talk with your doctor or hauora provider about your personal risk of breast cancer. Also look for any signs of breast cancer and talk with your healthcare provider as soon as possible if you notice changes to your breasts. If you are breastfeeding, please make this known to your screening provider when making your appointment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eFor more information about who can receive publicly funded personal health and disability services in New Zealand, go online to \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.healthnz.govt.nz\/hospitals-services\/eligibility-subsidies\/publicly-funded-healthcare\"\u003eEligibility for publicly funded health and disability services\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eExtending the age for breast screening\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eBreastScreen Aotearoa is extending the age for free breast screening, beginning with women aged 70 and 74. Each October the age range will be extended by one year until all eligible women aged 70 to 74 are included. This will be fully in place by October 2029.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAll of New Zealand (excluding Nelson and Marlborough)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eFrom October 2025 you are eligible for:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003ea free mammogram every two years until you turn 75, if you turn 70 on or after 1 October 2025\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eone final screen at age 74, if you are 70 to 74 before 1 October 2025.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eNelson and Marlborough\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eFrom October 2024, if you live in Nelson and Marlborough, you are eligible for:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003ea free mammogram every two years until you turn 75, if you turned 70 on or after 1 October 2024\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eone final screen at age 74, if you are 70 to 74 before 1 October 2024.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eGo online to \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.healthnz.govt.nz\/health-topics\/keeping-healthy\/cancer-screening\/breast-screening\"\u003eBreast screening\u003c\/a\u003e or call us to find out more about these changes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eIt's your choice\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eYou can choose whether to participate in BreastScreen Aotearoa.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eYou can opt out of the programme at any time. You can also rejoin at any time, as long as you remain eligible.\u003cbr\u003eIf you decide not to participate in the programme, you or your healthcare provider can still arrange your mammograms, but they may not be free, and results will not be recorded with BreastScreen Aotearoa.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eTo help you decide, more information is provided online at \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.healthnz.govt.nz\/health-topics\/keeping-healthy\/cancer-screening\/breast-screening\"\u003eBreast screening\u003c\/a\u003e You can also talk with your doctor, nurse or hauora provider or call us on \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"0800 270 200\" href=\"Tel:0800%20270%20200\" 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\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eIf you need support to arrange or attend appointments, help is available. There are Māori or Pacific providers available in some areas.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eFind out more at \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.healthnz.govt.nz\/health-topics\/keeping-healthy\/cancer-screening\/breast-screening\/screening-support-services-in-aotearoa-new-zealand\"\u003eScreening Support Services in Aotearoa New Zealand\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhat you need to know\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eScreening saves lives\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eMammograms help find cancer as early as possible by showing changes inside the breast before anything can be felt.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eYou are more likely to survive breast cancer, and treatments may be easier, when cancers are found early and are small.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eIn New Zealand, women found to have breast cancer through screening are less likely to die from it than those who find breast cancer and are not in the screening programme.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eScreening has reduced deaths from breast cancer by one third. More information about this is online at \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/4sCAAJe\" title=\"https:\/\/bit.ly\/4sCAAJe\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ehttps:\/\/bit.ly\/4sCAAJe\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eMost people who develop breast cancer have no family history of it. This is why it's important to be aware of any changes to your breasts and to have regular mammograms regardless of your family history.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eIf you do have a family history of breast cancer, you may have a slightly higher risk.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eThe likelihood of breast cancer also increases with age.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eLess treatment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eFinding breast cancer early can mean it’s easier to treat, using options that people may cope with better.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eThis is particularly important for older women, who may also have other serious health conditions to manage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eA proven method of finding cancer\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eFor women who participate in screening, mammograms find eight or nine out of 10 cancers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eIt is still important to look for any changes to your breasts between mammograms and to talk with your healthcare provider about any new changes immediately.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eSome cancers may not harm you\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eMammograms can find small breast cancers that would not be found if you were not screened. Some of these cancers may never grow enough to become life threatening.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eFor a small number of older women who have other serious health conditions, some breast cancers found through screening will not become harmful during the remainder of their lifetime.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eBecause it is not possible to tell which cancers will become harmful, treatment is offered for every cancer found. Treatment options can be discussed with your specialist.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eContact us\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eIf you have any questions after reading this information phone us on \u003ca rel=\"noopener\" title=\"0800 270 200\" href=\"Tel:0800%20270%20200\" 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\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eFor general enquiries about screening email \u003ca href=\"mailto:screening@health.govt.nz\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\"\u003escreening@health.govt.nz\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 2rem;\"\u003eEnd of Screening for breast cancer: joining BreastScreen Aotearoa\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HealthEd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49389008060644,"sku":"HE10113-ELP","price":0.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0102\/6916\/3582\/files\/HE10113-ELP_6546c087-54db-4a24-8b84-7e465a161bd7.png?v=1783915771","url":"https:\/\/healthed.govt.nz\/products\/screening-for-breast-cancer-joining-breastscreen-aotearoa-english-large-print-he10113-elp","provider":"HealthEd","version":"1.0","type":"link"}