BreastScreen NSW will begin reporting women’s breast density later this month to help women better understand their breast cancer risk.
Breast density refers to the ratio of fibroglandular (dense) tissue compared to fatty tissue. It’s estimated up to 40 per cent of women who have screened with BreastScreen NSW have dense breast tissue and for most women, their breast density reduces as they age.
While having dense breasts doesn’t mean a woman will be diagnosed with breast cancer, extremely dense breast tissue can reduce the visibility of cancers on a mammogram and is a known risk factor for breast cancer.
NSW is one of an increasing number of states and territories providing this important information to help women make more informed decisions about their breast health and improve health outcomes.
Breast density reporting will be phased in over coming months using new technology recently implemented by BreastScreen NSW.
Information relating to a woman’s breast density will be provided as part of women’s regular screening results. There will be no change to women’s appointment times or how long it takes to receive results.
BreastScreen NSW recommends women with high breast density speak with their doctor about their individual breast cancer risk factors and whether they may need additional testing.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women with breast density just one of many risk factors of the disease. Age is the biggest risk factor, with more than 75 per cent of breast cancers occurring in women aged over 50. Family history, genetic, reproductive and modifiable risk factors like diet and alcohol consumption can also increase a person’s risk of the disease.
It is important to recognise that regardless of an individual’s breast density, mammography remains the best breast cancer screening test, with 98 per cent of breast cancers treatable if caught early.
Regardless of their breast density, women aged 50 – 74 years are recommended to have a breast screen every two years. BreastScreen NSW recommends Aboriginal women start screening at 40 years.
Any woman who has noticed a change in their breasts, like a lump, should see their doctor without delay.
For more information and to make an appointment at a local BreastScreen NSW clinic or mobile van, call 13 20 50 or book online at www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health, Ryan Park:
“Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in NSW, with almost 7000 women expected to be diagnosed with the disease in 2025 and more than 1000 women expected to lose their life to the disease.
“We are committed to providing women with the information they need to best take care of their health.
“By incorporating breast density reporting into routine practice, we can have a better understanding of how breast density affects the women of NSW, contributing to better cancer outcomes for women.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Chief Cancer Officer and Chief Executive Cancer Institute NSW Professor Tracey O’Brien AM:
“It’s recognised globally that informing women of their breast density is best practice to help women understand their breast cancer risk and improve their health outcomes.
“We know women want this information to make informed decisions about their breast care as well as have a better understanding of their breast cancer risk.
“It’s important to remember it is common and normal to have high breast density and regardless of your breast density a free mammogram every two years remains the best way to detect cancer in its earliest stages.”