BCAC is thrilled to see the country’s free breast screening programme, BreastScreen Aotearoa, is now fully digital.
The move was announced by the Associate Minister of Health, Jo Goodhew, today, who said it was a “significant milestone in the Government’s commitment to improved technology and access to high quality breast screening services”.
BCAC chairperson, Libby Burgess, says the move from x-ray film to digital images it is a big step forward.
“The primary benefit of digital mammography over standard x-ray film mammography is that the image quality is better and so tumours and other irregularities are more easily picked up and that means women can be treated earlier and more effectively.
“It also allows technicians to more easily identify any changes in a woman’s breast tissue over time because it easier to store and compare digital images than film images.”
Ms Goodhew says the move to digital mammography will also provide greater convenience for women being screened.
“The quality of images can be checked immediately on the mobile vans, which means fewer women will need to be recalled for repeat mammograms and digital screening also delivers lower doses of radiation which is safer for women. “
To complement the digital upgrade a centralised picture archive and communications system has also been established which will reduce the risk of images being misplaced or damaged.
Libby says BCAC would now also like to see all private breast screening providers offer a digital service. BCAC recommends that women who fall outside of the age range for free breast screening (45 – 69), or who choose to be screened in the private sector, ask whether their provider uses digital mammography.
More information on the switch to digital mammography by BSA can be found here.
