Photo: suppliedA long-awaited cervical screening test that women can do themselves and will reduce the need for smear test will be funded by the Government. The Government will also introduce a new breast cancer screening system will "proactively identify and enrol eligible women", with plans to reach 271,000 more people. About 160 New Zealand women develop cervical cancer every year and about 50 die from it. Breast cancer screening system changeDr Ayesha Verrall said the new breast cancer screening system replaces the existing 'opt-in' model, where women choose to enrol for breast screening via their GP or by calling a 0800 number. The national breast screening programme, BreastScreen Aotearoa, provides free mammography screening every two years to women aged 45 to 69 who have no symptoms of breast cancer.

Source: Otago Daily Times May 08, 2021 22:52 UTC