Reproductive cancers

Breast cancer is the most common reproductive cancer in Aotearoa. Breast cancer is less common in those aged under 50. 
 
The risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer increases with age. 
 
Because breast cancer develops in breast tissue, it is possible for anyone to get breast cancer.  
 
BreastScreen Aotearoa offers free breast screening – known as a mammography – for those aged 45 to 69 years old, in Aotearoa. Mammography is designed to find very small cancers – before a lump can even be felt. 
 
Early treatment of breast cancer has the best chance of success.

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:

• A lump in the breast

• The skin on the breast is thicker or dimpled (it can look like an orange peel)

• A lump or swelling in one or both armpits

• A change in the shape or size of the breast

• The nipple turning in, unless the nipple has always been turned in

• A rash on the nipple

• Discharge or bleeding from the nipple

• Pain or discomfort in the breast that does not go away

Breasts naturally change as with age, and it is normal for some changes during your period (menstrual cycle).

If you have these symptoms or you're worried that something's not normal for you, make an appointment to see your usual doctor.

Learn more at Breast Cancer Foundation NZ 

Ovarian cancer is more common over the age of 50. It is usually diagnosed in the later stages of disease, as the early symptoms can be difficult to detect. In the later stages of ovarian cancer, treatment options are limited.
 
Cervical screening doesn’t detect ovarian cancer, and HPV vaccination doesn't protect against it. Early detection of ovarian cancer is only possible if you know the signs and symptoms.

The symptoms of ovarian cancer are often not obvious and can be confused with other non-cancerous conditions.

Signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer may include:

• A swollen or bloated tummy

• Always feeling full

• Discomfort, pressure, or pain in the tummy or pelvic area

• A change when you poo – you find it hard to poo (constipation) or you have runny poos (diarrhoea)

• Feeling very tired

• Kidney or bladder problems, such as needing to pee more often

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding (bleeding between your periods or when your periods have stopped)

• A change in your weight for no reason

Often there are no signs of early-stage ovarian cancer.

If you have these symptoms or you're worried that something's not normal for you, come and see us – or your usual doctor.

Learn more at Ovarian Cancer Foundation NZ

Cervical cancer is caused by certain types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). The good news is: cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer.

Getting the HPV vaccine and having regular HPV tests or cervical screening are the best protection against cervical cancer.  
 
It’s a really good idea for anyone with a cervix, aged 25-69 years old, to get HPV screening or a cervical screening test every five years. There is the option to do a self taken swab for HPV, or have a clinician use a brush to take a small sample from the cervix.

Signs and symptoms of cervical cancer may include:

• Bleeding between periods or after you've stopped having periods (menopause)

• Vaginal bleeding after sex

• Pain during sex

• Vaginal discharge that's not normal for you

• Feeling tired and weak (fatigue)

• Pain or swelling in your legs

• Lower back pain

Often there are no signs of early-stage cervical cancer, which is why it's so important to get regular cervical screening.

If you have these symptoms or you're worried that something's not normal for you, come and see us – or your usual doctor.

Learn more about cervical cancer 

Penile cancer is cancer in the tissue of the penis 0150 it is a very rare type of cancer.

If you are over 50, and your penis is uncircumcised, you have the highest risk of developing penile cancer. If you have a history of genital warts and HPV, you have a higher risk of developing penile cancer.

The most common symptoms of penile cancer are:

• A growth, lump or sore that does not heal within 4 weeks

• A rash

• Bleeding from your penis or under your foreskin

• A smelly discharge

• Difficulty pulling back your foreskin

• A change in the colour of the skin of your penis or foreskin

If you have these symptoms or you're worried that something's not normal for you, make an appointment to see your usual doctor.

If you have penile cancer, the people you have sex with should be screened for other forms of cancer caused by HPV – such as cancers of the cervix, vulva, and anus. 

Prostate cancer is common in Aotearoa. There are around 4000 new diagnoses of prostate cancer every year. 
 
Prostate cancer is uncommon in people younger than 55. Most people who develop prostate cancer are over the age of 65. If you are very old, prostate cancer often grows slower and sometimes causes no symptoms. 
 
If you are over 45 and you have a prostate – ask your doctor if you should get a prostate cancer screening.

The symptoms of prostate cancer are often confused with other non-cancerous conditions.

The symptoms of prostate cancer may include:

• Difficulty peeing

• Peeing more often, especially at night

• Pain when peeing

• Blood in your pee or semen

Often there are no signs of early-stage prostate cancer.

If you have these symptoms or you're worried that something's not normal for you, make an appointment with your usual doctor.

Learn more at Prostate Cancer Foundation NZ 

Testicular cancer most commonly develops between the ages of 15-35 years old — but it can develop at any age. 
 
Testicular cancer is almost always curable — especially if it’s diagnosed and treated at an early stage.

Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer may include:

• A swelling or lump in a testicle

• A change in the size or shape of a testicle

• A feeling of heaviness or unevenness in the scrotum

• Back pain

• Pain or ache in your lower tummy, back, testicles or scrotum

• Swelling or tenderness of the breast tissue on your chest

If you have these symptoms or you're worried that something's not normal for you, make an appointment with your usual doctor.

Learn more at Testicular Cancer NZ