International Breast Density Workshop

Congratulations to Dr Sandy Minck for her outstanding presentation at the International Breast Density Workshop in Hawaii last week! Her passion and dedication continue to be an incredible asset to the CBCI. We’re proud to have her leading the development of clinical protocols for Metro North’s breast cancer patients.

Communicating breast density and breast cancer risk information can be challenging. Sandy’s presentation highlighted the importance of co-designed, culturally sensitive, multi-format communication methods, revisited at key points across the screening and care pathway. She shared her own experience of high risk for breast cancer to highlight tools and strategies to communicate this information to empower women to make informed decisions consistent with their personal values and circumstances.

BreastScreen Australia now recommend that “women are informed in writing of their mammographic (breast) density as measured on their screening mammogram.” In addition, the BreastScreen Australia National Policy and Funding Review, currently underway, will consider recommendations about risk-based breast cancer screening from the Roadmap for Optimising Screening in Australia (ROSA) project.

Link to position statement: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/breastscreen-australia-position-statement-on-breast-density-and-screening

Link to BSA review: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/breastscreen-australia-national-policy-and-funding-review

Link to ROSA: https://www.cancer.org.au/about-us/policy-and-advocacy/early-detection/breast-cancer/rosa