Click on the questions below to see the answers. Please note some questions will take you to a different webpage.
More FAQs are available on the BreastScreen Aotearoa website.
You can ring our freephone number 0800 270 200 or ask your doctor (GP) to make a referral or register online through the BreastScreen Aotearoa website.
Mammograms and any follow-up testing needed are free to women in the eligible age range who have joined the programme. However, if treatment such as surgery is necessary this is free in the public health system only. Also, if you feel the need to see your GP about any issues to do with breast health while you are in the programme, this visit is not free as it is not part of the programme.
Call us on 09 250 8000 or freephone number 0800 270 200.
Once you have enrolled in the programme, you will receive an invite every two years so please let us know if you contact details change.
We can book an interpreter for you or you can bring a family member who speaks English so they are able to interpret for you. To book an appointment, phone
We have a number of locations in Manukau, Botany, Howick, Mangere and Pukekohe.
We also have a mobile screening unit which visits Highland Park, Pakuranga, Beachlands, Papakura, Papatoetoe, Pukekohe, Waiuku, Tuakau, Mangere East and Otara. Click here to view the timetable.
Yes, you can bring a friend or family member to support you. However, they are not able to in the room with you during the actual procedure.
The visit should take 20 to 30 minutes.
You will need to take off your top or shirt so it is easier to wear a top and trousers or a skirt for your appointment. We also have gowns available for you to wear during the procedure. Our radiographers (MRTs) are all women and will respect your privacy.
The results will be sent directly to you. At least two radiologists check x-ray images. If there is no evidence of breast cancer, you will receive a letter in the mail within two weeks.
If there is anything that the doctors want to check, you will receive a phone call from our nurse to ask you to come to Manukau SuperClinic for assessment and extra tests. This appointment is free. Most women recalled for further checks will not have cancer.
Some women will be contacted for a second appointment for further checking. The doctor may wish to check further so one of our Breast Care Nurses will call you and book an appointment for you to come to Manukau SuperClinic. This appointment will also be free. This will involve some extra tests, such as more x-rays, ultrasound and possibly the taking of a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope.
Most women recalled for further checks will not have cancer.
If you have a lump you should see your GP to get it checked. Do not wait to have a screening mammogram. Screening is for women who do not have a breast problem.
All breasts have areas of lumpiness that fluctuate with the menstrual cycle.
In younger women: most lumps have a hormonal basis, so if any lump persists after one menstrual cycle if should be examined by your doctor.
In older women, new lumps should be investigated straight away by your GP.
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