RESEARCH
Interval cancer detection rate increased with breast density notification
A new study led by InforMD member A/Prof Jennifer Stone has found higher rates of interval-detected breast cancers in the first year after women are notified they have dense breasts, compared to the second year. This study highlights the importance of providing information that enables women to seek further advice and potentially supplementary screening, if recommended.
BreastScreen SA pilot study
For years, women attending public breast screening programs in Australia received their mammogram results with little mention of breast density, apart from in Western Australia. But in South Australia, that began to change. In 2022, BreastScreen SA introduced a pilot program notifying women of their breast density category (A, B, C, or D) and then asked a key question: how did they feel about it?
BRAID study interim results
The BRAID trial (Breast Screening: Risk Adapted Imaging for Density) is a large UK-based study that’s testing whether extra imaging can help detect more cancers in women with dense breasts, especially when mammograms come back as “normal.” The interim results, published in The Lancet in May 2025, are already giving us useful insights into how breast cancer screening could be made more effective.
News
Consumer leaders call for nationally-consistent approach to breast density notification
The Australian Breast Density Consumer Advisory Council has published a consumer-authored Perspective calling for a nationally consistent approach to breast density notification and clear pathways for women and health professionals to act on the information. The paper proposes seven practical actions spanning policy, health promotion, clinical pathways, equitable access to imaging, research, and alignment with national cancer strategies.
Out now: Breast Density Guidance for GPs
Australian GPs now have access to much-needed guidance to help patients manage breast density. This new resource, published by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, fills a critical gap in clinical practice.
BRiM Summit 2026
Save the Date! The inaugural BRiM Summit will be held in Perth, Western Australia September 15-17, 2026. The Summit brings together leading international experts in breast cancer risk management to present high-quality research, inform clinical guidance and drive change in public health policy to improve prevention and early detection of breast cancer.
FEATURES
High breast density – Why I am a loser in the health care lottery
High breast density delayed my breast cancer diagnosis. BreastScreen is a wonderful screening service that has been proven effective in reducing breast cancer deaths and reducing the need for aggressive treatments among women in the 50-74 age group. I have always been a strong advocate for screening services and had my scheduled regular BreastScreen…
Density: The hidden risk that no one is talking about (one woman’s story)
ABOUT I consider myself knowledgeable about breast cancer risks and have trusted doctors to inform me of information important for my health. But I never heard about breast density until I was diagnosed with invasive ductal breast carcinoma in 2020. My diagnosis and treatment would have happened earlier if I’d known about breast density. That…
Can you see the polar bear? The making of InforMD’s breast density educational video
Early in 2020, before we knew just how much COVID was going to affect our lives, A/Prof Wendy Ingman from InforMD provided a design brief to University of South Australia Bachelor of Design students, Breeze Millard and Emma Bailey, to create a short educational animation about breast density. The brief was part of a collaboration…
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