Cloaks used for modesty in breast screening project

1.00pm

A new strategy to encourage Maori women to participate in the national breast screening programme was launched in Masterton yesterday.

The women will be able to keep their breasts covered by the use of a cloak known as a korowai.

Breastscreen Central co-ordinator Bella Blackman-Morrison said Maori women often felt embarrassed, which, for many, was a barrier to a procedure which was important for their continued good health.

"The korowai allows them to remain covered and feeling comfortable while having their mammogram," Ms Morrison said.

The korowai, in eight different colours and designs for Maori and Samoan women, will be used in Wairarapa next week when the mobile screening unit will be at Te Rangimarie Marae.

Since the introduction of the free breast-screening programme in 1998 for women aged 50-64, the rate of Maori women having mammograms is low at 42.4 per cent compared to non-Maori at 64.3 per cent.

- WAIRARAPA TIMES-AGE (MASTERTON)