In the hospital, the patient undergoes a screening procedure for a mammogram, which is performed by a mammogram. A modern technologically advanced clinic with professional doctors.
The Australian Government has released new guidelines this week to assist General Practitioners (GPs) in managing and advising women with high breast density. The Breast Density GP Guidance aims to standardize the advice provided to women identified with dense breasts during mammogram screenings, a move expected to enhance national consistency in healthcare.
Associate Professor Magdalena Simonis, a Melbourne-based GP with a focus on women’s health, is a member of the BreastScreen Australia Clinical Advisory Group that endorsed the guidance. She highlighted the challenges in detecting early-stage cancers in women with dense breast tissue, noting,
‘The two-dimensional mammogram is not as efficient at differentiating fibroglandular tissue and very early cancer in some breasts.’
Understanding Breast Density and Its Implications
Breast density is categorized under the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS), ranging from category A, indicating entirely fatty breasts, to category D, which signifies extremely dense breasts. Dense breast tissue can obscure cancer detection on mammograms and is linked to a slightly elevated risk of breast cancer.
Women classified as BI-RADS Category C and D, representing approximately 40% and 10% of the population, respectively, are advised to consult their GP for further evaluation. Associate Professor Simonis emphasized the importance of these consultations, stating,
‘The most important thing is that women, when they get their mammogram result from breast screening, understand what their category is – whether it’s A, B, C or D – and that helps them decide what to do beyond that.’
The Role of GPs in Breast Density Management
GPs are encouraged to engage in detailed discussions with their patients, covering various risk factors such as smoking, family history, previous cancer records, genetic profile, lifestyle, and breastfeeding history. Simonis pointed out that breast density, while a risk factor, is not the most significant one, suggesting a nuanced approach to risk assessment.
Professor Jon Emery from the University of Melbourne’s Department of General Practice and Primary Care underscored the guidance’s role in bridging a critical knowledge gap. He remarked,
‘Women with dense breasts may benefit from a discussion with their GP about their breast cancer risk management, including additional imaging tests.’
Broader Impact and Historical Context
The guidance comes amid growing awareness of the importance of reporting breast density post-mammograms. BreastScreen Australia, which screened approximately 1.95 million women aged 50–74 in 2023–2024, already reports breast density in states like South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia, and New South Wales, with other regions expected to follow.
Associate Professor Simonis highlighted the success of the national screening program, noting its significant impact on reducing breast cancer mortality. She stated,
‘What’s really important to emphasise here is the current BreastScreen program that has been instituted since 1991 has been a very successful program that has reduced the overall mortality from breast cancer by 50%.’
Looking Ahead: The Future of Breast Cancer Screening
The introduction of the Breast Density GP Guidance is a pivotal step in enhancing patient care and awareness. As more jurisdictions adopt breast density reporting, the hope is that women will be better informed about their breast health and the associated risks, leading to more personalized and effective healthcare strategies.
The new guidelines are available on the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website, providing a valuable resource for GPs and patients alike. This development represents a significant advancement in the ongoing effort to improve breast cancer detection and management in Australia.
