We provide screening mammograms for the National free Breastscreening program, BreastScreen Aotearoa (BSA), across Canterbury and the upper South island. You can enrol through your GP, online, or by phone. Enrolling enables your 2 yearly mammograms to be scheduled for you, and also includes any additional imaging or procedures required to detect Breast cancer. We highly recommend enrolling if you are eligible (age 45-69)
Screening mammograms for the Program are performed at Canterbury BreastCare, multiple other sites across Christchurch, and also via a Mobile unit, which has sites at Christchurch, Ashburton, Kaikoura, Culverden, and Westport.
Other affiliated sites are South Canterbury Mammography Unit in Timaru, Nelson Radiology, Wairau Hospital in Blenheim, and the Takaka mobile unit.
Find out more about Breast Screen Aotearoa
Breast screening can be started from age 40, particularly if you have any additional risk factors. This is not included in the free National Screening program, but you may choose to start earlier. Some insurers may also cover screening mammograms. You can self refer by contacting us, or ask your doctor to refer.
Women at increased risk of Breast cancer due to genetic factors (strong family history), previous chest Radiation, and for 5 years following diagnosis of breast cancer are eligible for additional annual funded mammograms. Your doctor can refer.
-link to Healthpathway guidelines (currently under review)
If a potential abnormality is seen on your screening mammogram, you will be contacted to return for prompt Assessment. This means that the initial images showed an area that requires further investigation. It does not necessarily indicate breast cancer; in fact, most recalls are due to benign conditions or normal breast changes. During the assessment, additional tests such as diagnostic mammograms and ultrasounds may be performed to gather more detailed information. If required, a biopsy can be performed in the clinic. Breast specialists (surgeons) may also review women during the Assessment clinic.
While being recalled can be stressful, it is an essential step to ensure any potential issues are thoroughly examined and addressed promptly.
(Will include Links and pamphlet downloads )
Your doctor can refer you for diagnostic imaging for symptoms or breast changes that require investigation, separate to screening. Common reasons for referral include a Breast lump, certain types of nipple discharge or other changes in the nipple, signs of infection (mastitis or abscess), and focal breast pain.
With a GP referral, you may choose to be publicly funded, or may be covered by your Health insurance.
- Breast concerns (link – to be supplied)
-info about surgical referral before/after? (Paragraph to be added)
If diagnostic procedures are required to further investigate findings on your imaging, these are available directly at Canterbury Breastcare.