Breast cancer
Breast cancer is New Zealand’s third most common cancer and accounts for more than 600 deaths every year.
The risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer increases with age.
- Breast cancer isn’t common in women under the age of 50.
- About 70 percent of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer and about 80 percent of women who die from it are 50 years or older.
Some women are at greater risk of breast cancer because there is a history of close family members having the disease. However, most women who develop breast cancer have no relatives with the disease. Even among women who do have relatives with breast cancer, most will never develop it.
Related websites
Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition
A charity set up to provide information, support and representation for those with breast cancer so they can make informed decisions about their treatment programme. This website offers a wealth of information about breast cancer detection, treatment and care and includes downloadable resources, as well as online links to others experiencing breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Foundation
The country’s leading breast cancer education and awareness organisation. Has information (including downloadable resources) on screening and early detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
Cancer Society
The Cancer Society of New Zealand is the country’s largest source of information about cancer and its effects. This website provides information on types of cancer, diagnosis, methods of treatment and advice on living with cancer. You can read information online, as free printed booklets (detailed information), or Information Sheets (the brief facts).
BreastScreen Aotearoa
New Zealand’s national breast screening programme checks women for early signs of breast cancer, providing free mammograms to women aged between 45 and 69.
Best Health
The Ministry of Health has funded free access to this British Medical Journal website for people browsing the web from New Zealand. It provides information on different cancers and describes treatments that work or are likely to work, the harms and benefits, treatments that are unlikely to work or may be harmful and information on tests and operations.
Better Health Channel
The Better Health Channel was established in May 1999 by the Victorian (Australia) State Government. It provides a wide range of health and medical information on conditions including cancer.
Health Navigator
The Health Navigator NZ website helps you find reliable and trustworthy health information and self-help resources on breast cancer.
Find out more from the Ministry
Cancer control
The Ministry leads a national work programme that provides a strategic focus for cancer control, and for system-wide improvements across the spectrum of cancer services.
National Screening Unit
The National Screening Unit is responsible for the development, management and monitoring of nationally-organised population-based screening in New Zealand.
Resources
BreastScreen Aotearoa: Treatment Services and Support for Women with Breast Cancer
Booklet for women diagnosed with breast cancer following breast screening, including advice on treatment and how and where to access services.
Available on HealthEd
Information for Women under 45 Years of Age – English version
Information on breast cancer and breast screening for women aged under 45 years who are not eligible for free mammograms through BreastScreen Aotearoa.
Available on HealthEd
Information for Women Aged 70 Years and Over
Breast screening information for women aged 70 years and over who are no longer eligible for free mammograms from BreastScreen Aotearoa.
Available on HealthEd
Page last updated: 05 July 2012
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