Raising the free mammogram upper age limit from 69 to 74
Free mammograms stop at age 69, but your risk of breast cancer is actually higher at 70 than it is at 50. We've been campaigning to raise the upper age limit for free mammograms from 69 to 74, to ensure that women in their early 70s are able to detect breast cancer as early as possible.
We'd like to say a big thank you to the 10,000 caring Kiwis who signed our petition. We presented it, and the evidence for raising the screening age, to the Health Select Committee, and, in 2017, the Government responded by announcing they intend to "progressively increase the age for free breast screening to 74".
Video
Raising the free mammogram age from 69 to 74
In 2016, BCFNZ presented evidence to the Health Select Committee to support raising the free mammogram age from 69 to 74, in front of a backdrop of these wonderful women, all of whom were diagnosed with breast cancer over 69. New Zealand is full of vivacious older women, loved and valued by their friends and families, who deserve access to free mammograms. Thanks to everyone who signed our petition, and to the women who shared their stories with us.
Kiwi women aged 70+ talk about mammograms, breast cancer treatment, and getting on with their lives. Read their stories.
Video
Tony's story
Tony generously shared the story of his wife Pam's battle with breast cancer, to show the committee just how important this issue is.