Addressing the harms of population breast screening

The position statement on addressing the harms of population breast screening was developed for health professionals in primary care to contribute to conversations with women about breast screening. This document examines the recent major reviews of breast screening, and discusses known harms.

The National Health Committee (NHC) has independently reviewed this position statement. Their view is that the NSU’s position statement offers a balanced assessment of the harms of breast screening and may help clarify the large amount of sometimes contradictory information that has recently appeared. 

Published September 2014

Addressing the use of ultrasound as a breast cancer screening tool

The Addressing the use of ultrasound as a breast cancer screening tool statement is to provide clarity for health professionals to assist women to make informed decisions.  The BreastScreen Aotearoa programme aims to maximise benefits and minimise harms in the screening environment.

Published September 2014

Information on Breast Awareness

Joint statement from the National Screening Unit, the Cancer Society of New Zealand and the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation, November 2013.  This document is an update to the 2008 position statement.

The use of thermography as a breast cancer screening or diagnostic tool

Joint position statement from the National Screening Unit, the Cancer Society of New Zealand, the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation and The New Zealand Branch of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists, June 2010.