From AI to Zero deaths from breast cancer – a lifetime of visionary health research

We are mourning the tragic loss of InforMD member Professor John Hopper, who passed away suddenly on the 28th October 2024. John was one of the founders of mammographic breast density research in Australia. A visit from Canadian researcher Prof Norman Boyd over 25 years ago triggered an international collaboration leading to a seminal publication in the New England Journal of Medicine describing the “heritability” of mammographic breast density within Australian and North American twins. This research initiated a whole new area of research investigating the genetic determinants of one of breast cancer’s most promising biomarkers, associated with both increased risk and reduced sensitivity of mammography.

Identifying features in a mammogram that are associated with increased breast cancer risk has paved the way for incredible advances in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to aid detection of breast cancer as well as the prediction of future breast cancer. This was John’s passion. On the day of his death, he presented an “alphabet” of research within the MyBrisk Centre for Research Excellence, investigating precision health approaches to breast cancer screening, from AI to Zero deaths from breast cancer.

John also was one of the earliest adopters of involving consumers in research, supporting community representation within his research programs for over 20 years. Through his example and his consumer networks, the InforMD Alliance and the Australian Breast Density Consumer Advisory Council were established. With his continued support, these networks have flourished.

John also co-founded the biennial Why Study Mammographic Density? Conference in 2010. The conference title is indicative of John’s constant questioning of everything, particularly the status quo. The 8^th Biennial Why Study Mammographic Density? Conference, scheduled to start the day after his death, was almost cancelled but, thankfully with the help and admiration of his InforMD colleagues, the proceedings were delayed and condensed into a one-day program. With many of the speakers paying tribute to John in their presentations, the conference provided an “academic wake” and celebration of John’s legacy.

The days and months ahead will be a challenge for those closest to him. Whilst we mourn the loss of this giant of the research field, we can also celebrate the impossibility of ever forgetting his contribution to our understanding of mammographic density and to our lives.