No free mammograms over 70 yet

Local women between 70 and 74 were told last month they would now be included in the free breast-screening programme, but those phoning for an appointment have been told it only applies if you are 70.

Sharon Fenemor from Richmond was one of the women who heard the news that Nelson-Marlborough women would be the first in the country to be part of the extended programme being rolled out around the country to include women aged between 70 and 74. Until now, free two-yearly mammograms have been for women up to the age of 69.

It was good news, so she got on her phone to make sure she would be on the list to be called up when she was due for the two-yearly mammogram.

She had her last mammogram at 69 and she is now 70, so did not need to make an appointment yet. But the news meant she should be eligible for another couple of mammograms before she turned 75.

“I was told it only applied to those women who are 70. But I looked at the website and the information says up to 74. So, I rang back and they said they’d had a directive that it was only for 70-year-olds.”

When Waimea Weekly attempted to book an appointment locally, we were told that if you are 70, until September 2025  you are eligible for a free mammogram, but 71 or older, you are not.

Health Minister Shane Reti was in Nelson last month when he announced the extension of free breast screening to include women aged between 70 and 74.

His press release at the time stated that over the next five years, women will continue to be eligible, while living in Nelson Marlborough, for screening at sites in the district until they turn 75, before a roll out across the country from October 2025.

Health NZ - Te Whatu Ora was asked for an explanation, but at the time of going to print, it said it was still working on a plan for the age extension and would have more information available “shortly”.