Health Minister Dr Shane Reti has announced the coalition Government is making its first steps in extending free breast screening to women aged 70 to 74.

“As part of the 100-day plan, the Government has now met with officials and discussed what is needed in order for the screening to be extended,” Dr Reti says.

Dr Reti notes that Breast Cancer is the most common cancer among New Zealand women.

He says that’s why the Government prioritised this crucial initiative in their 100-day plan.

“It’s vitally important to all affected women and their families that we detect more breast cancer early.

“Overall, our extension means women will be eligible for an average of two to three extra mammograms once the programme is fully implemented – and means around 120,000 additional women will be eligible for screening every two years. 

“Catching more cancers early means better treatment outcomes, and we anticipate an additional 22 lives could be saved every year. 

“While we want to move as swiftly as possible, we need to allow the health system to prepare for the roughly 60,000 additional women eligible each year. 

“There’s a lot to be done in terms of preparation, both human and capital infrastructure. 

“As well as planning for the expansion of existing screening services, Health New Zealand will need to plan for the cancer treatment services required to support the additional women diagnosed with breast cancer each year. 

“We know screening works – women who participate in the existing programme are 34 percent less likely to die from breast cancer.

“Raising the Breast Cancer Screening age will benefit all women, including Māori and Pacific peoples who have particularly high rates.”

Why Early Breast Cancer Detection Matters

Early breast cancer detection is essential for several reasons. It significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. 

When cancer is diagnosed in its early stages, treatment options are more varied and less invasive. 

This can include lifestyle changes, medication, radiation therapy, or surgery. 

In contrast, if the cancer is detected later, treatment options may be more aggressive and potentially less effective.

Early detection also leads to better survival rates. 

According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for women with early-stage breast cancer is approximately 99%, compared to around 27% for those with metastatic breast cancer. 

Per the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation, women have a 95% chance of surviving breast cancer five years or longer if the cancer is detected by a mammogram. 

As the risk of breast cancer increases as you get older, they recommend women consider having regular screening from age 40.

This stark contrast in survival rate underscores the importance of early detection in improving survival outcomes.

Early detection can also reduce the emotional and financial burden associated with breast cancer. 

A diagnosis of breast cancer can be emotionally devastating, and the associated costs of treatment can be financially crippling. 

By detecting the disease early, individuals can avoid these potential hardships.

Finally, early detection empowers people to take charge of their health. 

Regular screenings and self-examinations allow women to monitor their bodies and detect any changes that might indicate cancer. 

This proactive approach to health can lead to early detection and, ultimately, better health outcomes.

Early breast cancer detection is a critical factor in the fight against breast cancer.

The Science Behind Screening

Breast cancer screening is a critical component in the early detection and management of breast cancer. 

The science behind breast cancer screening involves several methods, including mammography, ultrasound, and MRI.

Mammography is the most common method of breast cancer screening. Thanks to the Government, it will now be available to more New Zealanders. 

It uses low-dose X-rays to create images of the breasts. 

These images can help detect lumps or masses that might be cancerous. Mammography can also detect microcalcifications, which are tiny deposits of calcium that can indicate the presence of cancer.

Ultrasound is another screening method that uses sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. 

In the context of breast cancer screening, ultrasound can be used to further investigate any abnormalities detected by mammography. 

It can also be used to guide biopsy procedures.

MRI is a more advanced imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the body’s internal structures. 

In breast cancer screening, MRI can detect small tumours that might be missed by mammography or ultrasound. 

However, it is generally more expensive and less commonly used than mammography and ultrasound.

Genetic Testing is also a part of breast cancer screening, especially for women with a strong family history of breast cancer. 

Genetic testing can identify mutations in genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2, which significantly increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

Each of these methods contributes to the overall goal of early detection and treatment of breast cancer. 

However, it’s important to note that no screening method is 100% accurate, and false positives can occur. 

Therefore, regular screenings should be combined with self-awareness and open communication with healthcare providers about any changes or concerns.

The coalition Government’s extension of free breast screening to women aged 70 to 74 means 120,000 more people will access such screening each year.