Rugby mums spreading health message

Helping women's health are Horiana Dagg, mother of Israel Dagg; Bridget Smith, mother of Aaron Smith; and Ann Cooper, mother of Brad Weber. PHOTO/DUNCAN BROWN

Israel Dagg's mum Horiana Dagg is joining several other rugby players' mums to promote cervical smears and mammograms.

"I think it is an important message to get out there - to a lot of our mums, our nannies and our young mums - about the dangers of breast cancer and cervical cancer," she said.

"Our busy lives can take over but we have to look after our own health.

"We all have an opportunity to do something about it. My reason is because I want to be around for my grandkids."

Aaron Smith's mum Bridget Smith said she stepped up "because I'm Maori".

Apart from their pregnancies a "lot of our Maori women don't get anything checked out".

Also a close friend recently had major surgery for breast cancer.

She said the photo shoot was "fun" and shared stories of the importance of screening.

Hawke's Bay District Health Board advises cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers. Women aged 20-69 years who have been sexually active need to have regular smear tests. Most women will need one at least every three years, some more often.

With one in 10 New Zealand women developing breast cancer at some time in their life, regular mammograms save lives. Women aged 45 to 70 years need to have two-yearly mammograms, because it was the best way to detect breast cancer early.

Mammograms take about 30 minutes and are free for women aged 45 to 69 who have enrolled with the national BreastScreen Aotearoa programme.

Women, of any age, who feel or notice anything unusual about their breast are advised to seek medical advice.

Mrs Dagg said keeping appointments should be a priority "because it could save your life".

"It is something we should all think about and like everyone says, you should learn if there is anything wrong early, so it can be treated."

To make an appointment for a mammogram phone 0800 270 200 and for more information on cervical screening phone 0800 729 729.