Consumer leaders are calling for a national approach to breast-density notification to allow women to make informed decisions about their breast health.
Published in ecancer, the Australian Breast Density Consumer Advisory Council has outlined seven actions to inform policy, practice and public awareness across Australia.
Co-author Associate Professor Jennifer Stone, from The University of Western Australia’s School of Population and Global Health, said around 40 per cent of women aged 40-to-74 have dense breasts, which reduces mammography sensitivity and is a prevalent risk factor for future breast cancer.
“Notifying women about density is a practical step that supports better conversations about risk and early detection,” Associate Professor Stone said.
“Women should discuss individual risk and options with a GP or specialist, but a consistent, evidence-informed national approach can lift screening quality and confidence.”
The paper proposed seven practical actions spanning policy, health promotion, clinical pathways, equitable access to imaging, research and alignment with national cancer strategies.
The authors called for national and consistent reporting using Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) categories and information about the implications of dense breasts.
The need for culturally appropriate resources and public awareness campaigns on breast density and other risk factors were also proposed.
The authors highlighted a need for accessible clinical pathways to provide supplemental imaging when recommended, including improved access to imaging tools such as tomosynthesis (a type of 3D mammogram), ultrasound, contrast enhanced mammography (CEM) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
They also emphasised that ongoing research should engage consumers as partners and future approaches should align with the Australian Cancer Plan and related national frameworks.
Lead author Dr Sandy Minck, from the Australian Breast Density Consumer Advisory Council, said breast density was common and clinically important as it increased breast-cancer risk and could hide cancers from being detected on a mammogram.
“Informing women, in plain language, means they can decide what’s best for their breast health,” Dr Minck said.
“This is about informed decisions and consistent, easy-to-follow pathways – where you live shouldn’t determine what you’re told or what options you have.”
The paper is timely as the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing recently released national guidance for GPs regarding breast density and its role in breast cancer risk management.
Gerda Evans, co-chair of the Australian Breast Density Consumer Advisory Council, said guidance for GPs on managing women notified of their breast density has been inconsistent, particularly regarding follow-up actions and timing of risk assessments.
“We acknowledge the challenge this has caused and support the national guidance to assist GPs in providing nationally consistent information to women to enable them to make informed decisions aligned with their values and circumstances,” Ms Evans said.