The new mammogram machine for Te Marae Ora Ministry of Health is scheduled to arrive this month with services expected to commence next month.

Secretary for Health Bob Williams said a room to accommodate the machine used for the early detection of cancer and other breast diseases was ready.

“The mammography is at contract awarding stage, room preparations have just been completed at the hospital,” Williams told Cook Islands News last month.

“Equipment expected to arrive by October with services to start by November.”

Cook Islands News has contacted Williams to confirm whether the machine had arrived.

The machine costing $200,000 is listed under the ministry’s prioritised capital projects and is included as one of the capital projects in the 2024-2025 health budget.

The newly procured machine is a Mammomat Revelation for tomosynthesis, designed to detect breast cancer earlier and help women stay healthy, it was earlier reported. It will replace the old machine which neared the end of its life span and was unable to operate at its full capacity.

The last mammogram screening was held in 2022 where 809 women attended a four-week mammogram screening between August and September at the Rarotonga Hospital. The programme was extended due to Covid-19, to cover the backlog from the previous two years.

Jaewynn McKay, president of the Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation, has emphasised the pressing need for the next mammogram screening programme for women in the Cook Islands.

“It cannot come soon enough,” McKay said in a statement. “The last nationwide screening programme was held before Covid-19, and we’ve been eagerly awaiting the return of this vital service.”

“The best news we’ve had this year is that a new mammography machine is expected to arrive and be installed by the end of 2024. However, we still don’t know when the next screening will take place, where the screening team will come from, or what role the Foundation may need to play.”

McKay reassures the public that once a screening date is confirmed, the Foundation will do everything possible to ensure that as many women across the Cook Islands as possible can participate.

“Screening and early detection save lives,” she stressed.

A large portion of the funds raised by the Foundation goes toward flying women from the Pa Enua (outer islands) to Rarotonga for mammograms and other essential health checks.

“Historically, this support has been offered to women from the Southern Group, but I hope we will also be able to assist women from the Northern Group. Some of them have not had the opportunity for a mammogram in over six years,” McKay said.

Mammograms, which are safe, low-dose x-rays of the breast, can detect cancers long before a lump can be felt. Women whose breast cancer is detected early through a mammogram have a 95 per cent chance of surviving five years or longer.

Earlier this year, the Foundation explored the possibility of securing a mobile breast screening trailer from New Zealand for a one-off screening event on Rarotonga.

“Unfortunately, that didn’t work out, but it was worth trying,” McKay noted.

As breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Cook Islands women, and with October marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation continues to intensify its awareness efforts.

The Foundation encourages women to take advantage of the PINK October Health Awareness Session this coming Monday.

In collaboration with the Cook Islands Family Welfare Association (CIFWA) and Te Marae Ora, the Foundation will host an educational session aimed at empowering women with practical knowledge and skills to prioritise their health.

On Monday, October 14 at Coastal Kitchen, Tupapa, starting from 4:30pm, expert clinicians from CIFWA and Te Marae Ora will guide participants through breast self-examinations, and offer quick checks for blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and cervical smear awareness.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to learn in a relaxed, supportive environment,” McKay shared. “Whether you’re joining us for the first time or simply need a refresher, we encourage you to bring a friend or family member who might benefit from this session.”

The Foundation will host a SHECAN Breakfast by CIFWA this morning at Crown Beach in Arorangi. Tickets are $40 for adults and $20 for children (12 and under) – available from CIFWA.

To register, email jaewynn@xtra.co.nz or call 55 486.

Additional reporting Cook Islands Breast Cancer Foundation