BreastScreen Counties Manukau provides a free MAMMOGRAM every 2 years to women enrolled on the programme. IMPORTANT NOTE: It is important that you bring any previous mammograms you have had along with you to your appointment. Also please do not use talcum powder or deodorants on the day of your mammogram, as these can make cancers harder to find on the mammogram. If you wear a two piece garment on the day of your mammogram it will make preparing for the x-ray easier. What is a mammogram? A mammogram is an x-ray of the breasts. They can detect breast cancer early which means a very good chance of successful treatment. They are safe because they only use very small amounts of radiation. When you have a mammogram, the medical radiation technologist (radiographer) who takes the X-rays places each breast in turn between two plates on the X-ray machine. The plates hold the breast firmly for a few seconds while the pictures are taken. Many women find this uncomfortable and a few find it painful. It does not harm the breasts. Will the mammogram hurt? During your mammogram, your breast will be held for a few seconds between two plates. Many women find this uncomfortable and a few find it painful. It does not last long and does not harm the breast. Do I have to take my clothes off? You will need to undress from the waist up so it is a good idea to wear a skirt or trousers and a top. You will be offered a robe to wear during the appointment. Our MRTs are women of all ages and will respect your modesty as much as possible. They are very professional and will do their best to ensure you feel comfortable and at ease. They take mammograms for women of a wide range of ages, ethnicities and sizes. What do mammograms show? Mammograms: can show changes in the breast before anything can be seen or felt. In most cases, the changes will not be cancer can detect breast cancer early which means a very good chance of successful treatment are particularly effective in detecting breast cancer for women 50 years and over who have mammograms every two years can detect about 75% of unsuspected cancers in women under 50 and 85% in women over 50 cannot prevent you getting breast cancer and cannot always prevent death from breast cancer are safe because only very small amounts of radiation are used What are my chances of getting breast cancer? The risk of breast cancer increases as you get older. Of those women who get breast cancer, three-quarters are 50 years and over. Most women who get cancer have a close relative with the disease. Even among women with a family history of breast cancer, only a very small number will be at high risk of getting breast cancer. How accurate are the mammograms? Like other screening tests, mammograms are not perfect. A mammogram may suggest that something is not right when, in fact, all is well. This is called a false positive result. You may notice symptoms of breast cancer between your two-yearly screening tests. This is called an interval cancer and can happen because: some cancers do not show up on a mammogram. This is more likely in women before menopause who often have dense breast tissue. The density usually reduces as women age and go through menopause; the radiologists (x-ray doctors) looking at the mammogram may miss the cancer. This will happen sometimes, no matter how experienced the radiologists are; sometimes a fast growing cancer will develop. Are mammograms safe? Only a very small amount of radiation is used in mammography, so the radiation risk is very low. BreastScreen Aotearoa monitors the equipment used to take mammograms to ensure radiation is kept to a minimum. Do I need to have regular mammograms even if I am well and have no lumps in my breasts? Yes. A mammogram can show changes and abnormalities (something unusual) in your breasts before anything can be seen or felt. It is the best available test to detect small cancers at an early stage when there is a very good chance of successful treatment. What are the limitations of breast screening? A mammogram is not a perfect test. Cancers will be missed in some women. On the other hand, the vast majority of women who take part in breast screening do not have breast cancer. These women do not gain a benefit from breast screening, but they can be harmed. There are limitations and risks to women in mammography screening.

BreastScreen Aotearoa is a programme designed for women who have no apparent breast problems. Women of any age who feel or notice anything unusual about their breasts should see their doctor. Breast symptoms can be assessed for free through the public health system. Important information about breast cancer: The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age Free mammograms (breast x-rays) are available for women aged 45-69 years through the BreastScreen Aotearoa programme Screening mammograms detect breast cancer before you can feel or notice anything unusual Early detection and treatment can save lives Mammograms need to be repeated every two years Most women who have two-yearly mammograms will be informed they have no evidence of breast cancer Most women who develop breast cancer have no relatives with the disease Women of any age who feel or notice anything unusual about their breasts should seek advice from their doctor. Breast symptoms or concerns Most lumps and symptoms will not be cancer. However, if you notice any breast symptoms or changes, it is very important that you see your doctor straight away. Don't wait for your next screening mammogram. Women with breast symptoms or concerns at any age should see their doctor, who may refer them for free assessment through their residential District Health Board. If any further treatment is required, this is also free. The most common symptom of breast cancer is a painless lump. However, the following problems should also prompt you to see your doctor as soon as possible, particularly if the changes are not normal to you. Possible signs of breast cancer are: a new lump or thickening a change in breast shape or size pain or tenderness in the breast that is unusual puckering or dimpling of the skin a rash or reddening of the skin that appears only on one breast any change in one nipple, such as a turned-in nipple or a discharge that occurs without squeezing a rash or reddening appearing only on the breast. Breast lumps All breasts have areas of lumpiness that fluctuate with the menstrual cycle. In younger women: most lumps have a hormonal basis, so if any lump persists after one menstrual cycle it should be examined by your doctor. In older women new lumps should be investigated straightaway by your GP. Breast Awareness You may find breast cancer earlier by being aware of your breasts and any changes that are not normal for you. Looking at your breasts in the mirror and being aware of any new change them while washing or dressing is important as you get older, especially after age 40. This is recommended for all women, even if they are having mammograms. These changes are not usually subtle, and feel very different to normal breast tissue (even if that is lumpy to the woman). In the past, some women were taught a formal technique of breast self-examination. This recommendation is no longer made as there is no evidence that this formal self-examination will reduce a woman’s chances of dying from breast cancer. It can also increase a woman’s risk of having unnecessary biopsies. If you notice any changes in your breasts you should always see your doctor even if you have just had a mammogram. Your doctor may then refer you for further tests.

Our mobile screening unit moves around the district to give women the opportunity to have a mammogram at a location convenient to them. We visit locations such as Waiuku, Beachlands, Pakuranga, Highland Park, Tuakau, Pukekohe, Papakura, Otara and more. We also have fixed site locations at Manukau SuperClinic, Mangere, Botany, Pukekohe and Howick. Phone 09 250 8000 or freephone 0800 270 200 to book your appointment. Appointments are required on the mobile unit but we do our best to fit in walk-ins if time permits. There is likely to be a short wait in these circumstances. We only have very short waiting lists at our sites and you can choose which site suits you best. Schedule is subject to change, so please phone 09 250 8000 for the latest information.

"Ko to oranga, te oranga mo to whanau" Your wellbeing is wellbeing for you family. At BreastScreen Counties Manukau we aim to make the process as easy, comfortable and convenient as possible. You can choose when and where you have your mammogram our aim is to make the process as easy, comfortable and convenient as possible. We have Maaori staff who can support you during the process: Appointments only 20 - 30 minutes You can bring a support person Saturday and late night appointments available We can arrange transport if you need it We have the latest in digital mammography equipment You can change your appointment. Regular mammograms can save lives by detecting cancer early, before they can be felt or seen. Mammograms are free for women aged 45-69 through BreastScreen Aotearoa. It is important to continue having mammograms every two years once on the programme. Most women who have two-yearly mammograms will be informed they have no evidence of breast cancer. "Whangaihia te Ukaipo" Look after that which gives sustenance and life

Talofa Lava, Kia Orana, Malo e lelei, Fakalofa Lahi Atu, Ni sa Bula Vinaka, Namaste, Talohaini, Warm Pacific Greetings BreastScreen Counties Manukau offers free mammograms (breast x-rays) every two years to women ages 45 - 69 years to check for early breast cancer. It is a FREE programme. If English is not your first language: Samoan speakers can call Lisi on 09 250 8089. Niuean speakers can call Malama on 09 250 8061. The risk of breast cancer increases with age. Most women who get breast cancer: are over 50 years old have no relatives with the disease