Extending screening for cancer

South Canterbury is set to become the first area in New Zealand to offer free breast cancer screening to women aged 70-74.

Nationwide, Kiwi women aged 45-69 have access to a free, government-funded breast cancer screening every two years but the South Canterbury Mammography Trust wants to see the age bracket widened, so it is taking matters into its own hands.

Starting next year, the trust will fund biennial mammograms, which would otherwise cost $134 each, for South Canterbury women aged 70-74. ‘‘The trust’s initiative will effectively extend funded breast screening for another five years,’’ trust chairwoman Pam Allan said.

‘‘It is acknowledged that the risk of developing breast cancer increases with age and while the Government has talked about extending the national screening programme, to date no announcement has been made,’’ Allan said.

Managing trustee Carole Brand said the manager of the Timaru Mammography Unit and Canterbury Breast Care, Nicky Cummings, had helped set up the trust’s initiative.

‘‘Women exiting Breast Screen Aotearoa, the national screening programme, will be advised by the unit that the trust will fund their next mammogram in two years’ time, and will be asked for permission to be sent a reminder at that time,’’ Brand said.

Timaru general surgeon Chris Gray said the initiative was important because the standard of health among New Zealand’s older population had improved over the past few years.

‘‘They are fit and healthy for the treatments that are available for breast cancer,’’ Gray said.

‘‘I expect the Government won’t be far behind us.’’