Breast screening for New Zealand women under 45: An important guide

Breast cancer risk and screening of women under 45

According to Health New Zealand Te Whatu Ora, in 2021, breast cancer was the leading form of cancer among women aged 25 to 44 years old (390 cases). Te Whatu Ora also registered the highest number of cancer-related deaths in the same age group (39 cases). 

While these figures are still significantly lower than for women between 45 and 64 (1,798 registrations in 2021), they are nonetheless cause for concern. 

Certain risk factors in women under 45, such as a family history of breast or ovarian cancer and mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, also increase susceptibility to the disease. Because young women aren’t eligible for free screening, these scenarios can result in more difficult-to-treat cases of breast cancer. 

Possible symptoms of breast cancer for women under 45

Young women should be aware of possible signs and symptoms of breast cancer, including:

• A growth or lump under the arms or in the breast area
• Inexplicable modifications to the breast's size or form
• Skin on the breast that has dimples, dents, or puckering
• Nipple discharge that is not breast milk, particularly if it's bloody
• Inverted nipple
• Persistent breast or nipple pain
• Thickening, reddening, crusting, or scaling of the breast or nipple skin.

Breast cancer in younger women is sometimes more aggressive or advanced. Understanding your breast health, helped by regular self-examinations and awareness of breast changes, coupled with early detection, can greatly increase the likelihood of successful treatment and survival. 

How important is breast screening?

Breast screening plays a heavy role in the early detection of breast cancer, with its significance varying across different age groups. Understanding the importance of screening at each life stage can help women take proactive steps to safeguard their health.

In your twenties and thirties

Routine mammograms are not generally recommended for women aged between twenty and thirty because their breasts have a denser concentration of glandular versus fatty tissue, making it more difficult to analyse. However, as about 8% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women under the age of 40, regular self-examinations are essential, particularly for those with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors.

Forties and beyond

As women reach their forties, the risk of breast cancer increases, making screening more valuable as an early detection tool. A UK study suggests that annual mammograms among women in their 40s can reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer by around 25%. This routine screening is important, as breast cancer found early is often easier to treat and has a better prognosis.

How often should you have a mammogram?

Routine mammograms for those in their twenties and thirties are not typically necessary unless there are high-risk factors present. 

However, Breast Cancer Foundation NZ recommends that women in their 40s have yearly mammograms until they reach 50. After 50, those who have very dense breasts can continue with annual mammograms, while those with low breast cancer risk may choose to be screened every two years.

Breast screening options in New Zealand

BreastScreen Aotearoa

BreastScreen Aotearoa offers eligible women free mammograms every two years to help detect breast cancer early. To access this service, women must: 

• be New Zealand residents or eligible for public health services 
• be aged 45 to 69
• have no current symptoms of breast cancer
• not be pregnant or breastfeeding
• not have had a recent (within the last 12 months) mammogram from another health facility.

While much less common, men are not immune to breast cancer, and those at genetic risk should also consider their screening options. 

Limitation of public screening for women under 45

Women under 45 are not typically included in New Zealand’s free breast screening programme due to two main factors:

• Dense breast tissue: Younger women generally have dense, glandular breast tissue, which can make mammograms less effective and more challenging for detecting abnormalities.
• Lower incidence of breast cancer: Women under 45 are statistically less likely to get breast cancer, leading public screening services to focus on older women who are at greater risk.

Women under 45 who have a high risk of developing breast cancer can still be referred by their doctor for free mammograms at public facilities. This includes those who:

• had a previous breast tissue biopsy showing an “at-risk lesion”
• have had breast cancer
• have a mother or sister with breast cancer in both breasts or had the disease before menopause.

How much does a mammogram cost?

Women ineligible for a free mammogram or those looking to get the test done sooner can opt to pay for it themselves at a private radiology clinic. The cost could range from $350 up to $375 depending on the clinic and location.

Private health insurance may cover some or all of this cost, according to the plan. Contact a health insurance broker, such as Policywise, to find the best policy for your needs.

Private health insurance and breast screening

For women under 45 in New Zealand, accessing breast screening services can be financially challenging, as public healthcare does not typically cover routine mammograms for this age group. Private health insurance can help bridge the gap, giving women the opportunity to be proactive about their breast health.

Comprehensive insurance benefits for breast cancer treatment

Comprehensive health insurance means more than just access to screening. For women diagnosed with breast cancer, regardless of age, the best health insurance plans can provide a range of benefits, including:

• Quicker access to treatments and surgeries, such as breast reconstruction or breast symmetry surgery post-mastectomy, which might be delayed in the public system due to long waiting times
• Cover for a wide range of post-operative care, including physiotherapy, psychological support, and other necessary rehabilitation services to aid in full recovery
• Access to non-publicly-funded drugs and treatments: Cover for advanced therapies and life-saving or life-extending non-Pharmac-funded medications
• Higher standard of care: A broader spectrum of healthcare services that offer peace of mind and comprehensive support throughout the treatment journey.

Be vigilant with Policywise!

Policywise is a 100% free service which tells you which health, life, and disability insurance provider best fits your needs. We offer fast, comprehensive, and easy-to-understand comparisons of all leading providers, and a simple summary clearly recommending which insurer is best for your situation.

Not all insurance policies are the same. Policywise can help you sort out the duds, avoid the lemons, understand the fine print and exclusions, and get the right insurance for you and your family.

We make the important decision of where to buy your insurance super easy. We’ll answer your questions, provide experienced advice, quotes, and comparisons, and manage all the back and forth throughout the application process. Taking out your cover through us means you'll have our lifetime support and claims advocacy, and we'll help you negotiate a positive outcome at claim time. We can also take care of lodging any claims on your behalf and back you up if the going gets tough.

Check out the reviews on our homepage for how other New Zealanders have found our service, because now is the time to get your health insurance sorted. Give your family or someone you love the most outstanding financial protection and support against breast cancer. Book a 5-minute callback with Policywise today; our service is fast and free.

^{Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Nothing in this blog or on this website is intended as medical, dietary, or financial advice. Although we aim to update our content regularly, you are advised to consult a Policywise adviser, health professional, or an appropriate specialist before acting on any information herein. They can factor in your personal circumstances or preferences and help guide your decision-making process.}