In New Zealand, there are three organised cancer screening programmes: BreastScreen Aotearoa, the National Cervical Screening Programme and the National Bowel Screening Programme.

Screening tests can detect changes in the body before they become cancer, or when the cancer is at an early stage. If changes are found early, it is usually easier to treat.

National Cervical Screening Programme

All people with a cervix between 25 and 69 years who have ever been sexually active should have a regular smear test every three years. These tests aim to identify changes in the cervix before they develop into cancer so regular cervical screening can prevent you developing cervical cancer. Most people are charged a fee for the test but some Māori and Pacific providers, community or primary health organisations offer a free or low-cost option.

For more information on cervical screening, visit the National Cervical Screening Programme website.

Bowel Screening Programme

The National Bowel Screening Programme is free for men and women aged 60 to 74 years, every two years. It aims to save lives by finding bowel cancer at an early stage when it can often be successfully treated. The test kit will arrive in the mail, and it is easy to do at home.

The National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme is currently being rolled out across NZ.

For more information on screening in your area, visit the National Bowel Screening Programme website.

BreastScreen Aotearoa (Breast Screening Programme)

Mammograms can save lives by finding breast cancer early before it spreads. New Zealand's free national breast screening programme is for people with breasts aged between 45 and 69, every two years.

For more information on breast screening, visit the National Breast Screening Programme website.