Early Detection of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in New Zealand women.

Many people put themselves in danger by not being more aware of their body and the way it changes
The earlier you spot any potentially worrying changes in your body, the smaller the likelihood of getting into trouble with your health.
The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. Breast cancer is uncommon in women under 50.
Some women are at greater risk of breast cancer because there is a history of close family members having the disease.
Women who breastfeed can have a lower risk of breast cancer.

Women should regularly check their breasts for any lumps.
Get to know your body so you can tell when anything is different.
If you notice anything different - especially a lump where there wasn't one before - report it to your health professional immediately.
For older women, breast screening using mammography (breast x-rays) followed by appropriate treatment is the best way of reducing the chance of dying from breast cancer.
Taking part in screening programmes will help you to act on potentially troublesome signs early on.

The aim of breast screening is to find very small cancers before a lump can be found on the breast. Early treatment has the best chance of success.
BreastScreen Aotearoa is a national breast screening programme free for women aged 45 to 69 years
The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. Breast cancer is uncommon in women under 50.