Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) has welcomed the release of BreastScreen Australia's new Position Statement on Mammographic (Breast) Density and Screening as a significant step forward for transparency and empowering women to understand their breast cancer risk.
The updated national statement recommends that all women screened through BreastScreen Australia be informed in writing of their breast density and encouraged to discuss this information with their GP or breast cancer specialist.
Breast density refers to the amount of glandular and connective tissue in the breast compared to fatty tissue, as seen on a mammogram. High breast density not only makes breast cancer harder to detect through routine 2D mammography but is itself an independent risk factor for developing breast cancer.
BCNA Director of Policy, Advocacy & Support Services, Vicki Durston, said the move is a positive step, but highlighted the stark divide that remains across the country.
Ms Durston commended Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales for leading the way, but called on Queensland, Tasmania, Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory to act to report breast density without delay. She stressed that a woman's access to potentially life-saving information about her breast density and cancer risk should not depend on where they live.
"Every woman has the right to know her breast density and understand her breast cancer risk. We need every state and territory to act now to provide this information, along with clear pathways for supporting women at higher risk," Ms Durston said.
"Unfortunately, women in states and territories without breast density reporting, including Queensland, Tasmania, the ACT and Northern Territory, are still missing out on this important information."
"This is out of step with the new national guidance and the progress being made elsewhere that shows timely implementation is both achievable and beneficial for women."
