New Zealand Extends Free Breast Screening to Women Aged 71

From today, women turning 71 are eligible for free breast screening as part of BreastScreen Aotearoa's age extension programme. This expansion aims to detect breast cancers early, when they are most treatable. The programme has already seen over 26,000 women in the new age groups screened, with 363 breast cancers detected. The government has been building capacity to meet demand, with four new mobile screening units and five new or redevelopment sites established. Women are encouraged to take up the free mammogram offer every two years. This extension is part of the government's efforts to improve women's health outcomes, including introducing free cervical screening and new guidance for diagnosing endometriosis without surgery.