Many government bodies and professional bodies around the world have published instructions or advice on the quality assurance procedures required for success in breast cancer screening. These have been reviewed and matched to New Zealands circumstances. The interim National Quality Standards will be reviewed after they have been in place for one year. The regional health authorities will monitor providers of the New Zealand breast cancer screening programme to ensure adherence to the interim standards and other contract conditions. There are some areas where further planning and policy development are required before the first screening units can be established.
Breast cancer is an important health problem in New Zealand.
It is the leading cause of total cancer deaths and registrations for non-Maori women in New Zealand, and the second leading cause for Maori women. Projections of the cancer burden revealed that breast cancer mortality and incidence are expected to increase steadily through to the year 2021 assuming the existing levels of screening. This programme will save womens lives and is another important step forward as Government seeks to improve health services and the health status of New Zealanders. It is encouraging to see you all here today. The obvious level of commitment to the continuous improvement and quality that exists within this programme is impressive.