34900 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health

34900 (2025). Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall to the Minister of Health: Have any women screened under the breast screening extension had breast cancer identified as a result?

Hon Simeon Brown: I am advised that approximately 1,600 women in Nelson-Marlborough are eligible under the age extension policy. As the Member will be aware, between 1 October 2024 and 30 June 2025, 370 women completed a mammogram under this policy. This reflects our focus on putting patients first and ensuring all New Zealanders have access to timely, quality healthcare. As the Member will also be aware, breast cancer screening is undertaken every two years. This means some 70-year-old women in Nelson-Marlborough who were screened at age 69 are not yet eligible under the extension, but will be eligible for their next screen at age 71. I am further advised that it would not be in the public interest to disclose the number of cancers detected under the breast screening extension at this stage.