Currently free mammograms are offered to women between the ages of 45 to 69, every 2 years. However, the age was extended in the Nelson Marlborough region in October 2024. This means for women living in this region, they are currently eligible for a free breast screen if they:
So, for women who live in the Nelson Marlborough region who turned 70 before 1 October 2024, or are 71, 72, 73 or 74 as at 1 October 2024, they will be eligible to receive a free screen when they turn 74, or already are 74 (provided they book their screen before turning 75).
For all other areas, the eligible age range is still 45 to 69. The rest of Aotearoa will launch October 2025 and will be phased in year on year up to the age of 74.
If woman are moving to the Nelson Marlborough region, who meet the extended age eligibility criteria (as outlined above), she will be able to continue screening at Nelson Marlborough screening sites.
The launch of age extension in Nelson Marlborough will provide BreastScreen Aotearoa with learnings to incorporate into the October 2025 national launch of age extension. The national roll-out will also be phased in by age group over 4 years.
BreastScreen Aotearoa is focused on addressing the additional demand of the expanded age group, while continuing to provide support to priority groups — wāhine Māori, Pacific women, unscreened and under-screened women.
Work is underway to support procurement of additional equipment (mobiles, mammography and ultrasound machines). Recruitment is also a focus for specialist medical staff (MITs, radiologists). Within the implementation plan is funding to assist with increased cancer treatment.