Breast Screen Aotearoa
The National Breast Screening Programme

BreastScreen Aotearoa - the National Breast Screening Programme - aims to reduce deaths from breast cancer among New Zealand women by detecting cancers when they are small.

The programme offers free screening mammograms every two years to women aged 45-69 years with no symptoms. Women who have previously been diagnosed with breast cancer should check with their local Breast Screen Provider to see if they are eligible or if they are covered by a Regional DHB high risk contract.

How to enrol your patient in the programme:

• Some GP Groups have a recruitment agreement with the local Breast Screen Lead Provider.
• You or your patient may like to call 0800 270 200 which will direct the call to the local Breast Screen appointment centre.
• Women may wish to take a friend, family member to their appointment or make a group booking with friends or whanau for support.  This should be indicated when they phone for their appointment  
• Breast Screen funds a mammogram two yearly and automatically recalls women as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.
• Information on the programme in Maori, six Pacific languages and seven Asian languages is available by ringing BreastScreen Aotearoa.
• Women have an appointment for a mammogram and where necessary are recalled to an assessment clinic for further mammographic views, ultrasound or any interventional procedures (eg biopsy, FNA, stereotactic biopsy)
• Screening and assessment services offered as part of the Breast Screen Aotearoa program are free.

			Pre Examination
	An appointment is required. Patients may be referred by a Medical Practitioner. Some women wish to self refer and although Breast Screen accepts this patients will be advised to send a copy of their report to their Doctor.

			The Examination
	A mammogram is carried out by a Specialist Mammographer. The Mammographer will position one breast at a time between two plates on the x-ray machine. These plates compress the breast. This is necessary to optimise the image and reduce the radiation. Having a mammogram takes only a few minutes. Most women find it, at worst, uncomfortable. Some women who find the procedure painful and women who are concerned about pain should discuss this with the Mammographer prior to the mammogram as there are ways to manage this.

			Post Examination
	Most women have no after effects. If a women has previously experienced pain they may like to take a mild pain reliever after their mammogram. As per the International Quality Standards for mammography, all mammography examinations are read by at least two Radiologists. Following the second read a report will be sent to you.                                              Mammography images are essential for comparison each time a woman presents for their mammography appointment.