BCAC thrilled that more Pasifika women are getting mammograms

BCAC applauds the latest figures from BreastScreen Aotearoa, which show that more Pasifka women are going for regular mammograms than ever before.

The screening rates for Pasifika women aged 45 to 69 have jumped 12 per cent on 2010 figures, from 64 per cent to 72 per cent of the eligible population.

In the same period, screening rates for Maori women increased from 60 per cent to nearly 65 per cent, while rates for European women went from 70 to 72 per cent.

BreastScreen Aotearoa programme leader, Maree Pierce, says a number of factors have contributed to the increase.

“Our BreastScreen Aotearoa providers do an outstanding job of encouraging Pacific women to have their breast screening and the initiatives seen in Breast
Cancer Action month, and all year round, show just how much thought goes into reaching them.

“Playing Pacific language messages on local radio, holding Pasifika health days, and speaking at Pacific churches are just a few of the activities that take place around the country.”

BCAC chair, Libby Burgess, says she’s thrilled the rates are increasing for Pasifika women and others.

“Regular mammograms are vital to ensuring that breast cancer is caught early and that women have the best chance of survival.  We’re pleased to see that BreastScreen Aotearoa has made such great progress in getting Pasifika women to take advantage of the free screening on offer and it’s wonderful to see Pasifika women engaging in the programme. This will save lives.”