Free breast screening has been extended to women aged 70-74 living in Nelson Marlborough district.
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti announced that over the next five years, eligible women will be screened at sites within the district until they turn 75. This expansion is part of a national roll-out expected to begin nationwide from October 2025. According to Dr Reti, extending breast screening could potentially save 22 lives per year.
Breast cancer remains one of New Zealand's most common cancers, with around 3,400 women diagnosed annually. The Government has invested $31.2 million in the initiative, which aims to find breast cancers early and reduce mortality rates by 34 percent among participants. This extension builds on other advancements made by the Government to improve cancer care, including targets for faster treatment and increased access to life-extending medicines.