A new resource, spearheaded by research from the University of Melbourne, has been unveiled to assist General Practitioners (GPs) in advising patients about breast density and its implications for cancer screening. This initiative, released by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, aims to provide GPs with consistent guidance on discussing the implications of high breast density and advising on risk assessments.
Until now, the guidance available to GPs when consulting women notified of their breast density has been inconsistent. The new resource is expected to equip GPs better to discuss high breast density’s implications and provide advice on completing risk assessments. Professor Jon Emery from the University of Melbourne’s Department of General Practice and Primary Care emphasized the importance of understanding breast density for personalized screening approaches.
“Women with dense breasts may benefit from a discussion with their GP about their breast cancer risk management, including additional imaging tests,” said Professor Emery.
The guidance was developed with input from breast specialists, radiologists, GPs, policymakers, researchers, and consumers, in consultation with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). It aims to address a significant knowledge gap among women, many of whom are unaware of breast density’s impact on cancer detection and risk.
Understanding Breast Density and Its Implications
Breast density refers to the amount of fibroglandular tissue in the breast, which appears white on mammograms, similar to cancer. This similarity can make cancer detection more challenging in women with high breast density. According to BreastScreen Australia, women should be informed in writing of their mammographic density as measured on their screening mammogram.
Women with high breast density have a slightly increased risk of breast cancer. While breast density is a strong and prevalent risk factor, a woman’s individual risk should be considered alongside other factors, including age, family history, height, weight, lifestyle, and hormonal factors. Breast density alone should not guide decisions about breast cancer screening and prevention.
Expert Opinions and Collaborative Efforts
Dr. Dulashi (Anna) Withanage Dona, Research Fellow at the Department of General Practice and Primary Care, highlighted the importance of shared decision-making when considering additional screening methods.
“This resource provides GPs with consistent, evidence-based guidance to facilitate informed discussions with patients, enabling them to consider their screening options based on their individual circumstances,” Dr. Withanage Dona stated.
The guidance is the product of national collaboration, including significant consumer and stakeholder consultation. Associate Professor Jennifer Stone, Cancer Epidemiologist at The University of Western Australia and Honorary with the University of Melbourne’s School of Population and Global Health, noted that the guidance builds on existing evidence and resources to provide women with clear, consistent information about what their breast density means for their breast health.
“This guidance is the product of national collaboration, including significant consumer and stakeholder consultation, and builds on existing evidence and resources to provide women with clear, consistent information about what their breast density means for their breast health,” said Associate Professor Stone.
Standardizing Care Across Australia
The new guidance aims to standardize care across Australia, where some state and territory screening programs, such as BreastScreen Western Australia, have been notifying women of their breast density for over a decade. This initiative follows a recent recommendation from BreastScreen Australia for women to be informed of their breast density, marking a significant step towards uniformity in breast cancer screening practices nationwide.
This research project supports the University of Melbourne’s Impact Accelerator in Health Futures, part of the broader initiative “Advancing Research 2030: Excellence for Impact.” The project underscores the importance of translating research into practical resources that can significantly impact public health outcomes.
As the new guidelines are implemented, GPs across Australia will be better equipped to engage in meaningful discussions with their patients, ultimately enhancing the quality of care and empowering women to make informed decisions about their breast health.
