A new resource developed by the University of Melbourne now gives General Practitioners (GPs) clear guidance on discussing breast density with patients and its impact on cancer screening.
Until now, advice for GPs on breast density has been inconsistent. The new guidance, released by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, provides doctors with evidence-based tools to help women understand their risk and make informed screening decisions.
Professor Jon Emery from the University of Melbourne’s Department of General Practice and Primary Care highlighted the importance of understanding breast density. “Women with dense breasts may benefit from a conversation with their GP about breast cancer risk and possible additional imaging tests,” he said.
The guidance was developed in consultation with breast specialists, radiologists, GPs, policymakers, researchers, and consumer groups. The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) also contributed. It fills a knowledge gap, as many women do not understand how breast density affects cancer detection.
What is Breast Density?
Breast density refers to the amount of fibroglandular tissue in the breast, which shows up white on mammograms—just like cancer. This can make tumors harder to detect. Women with high breast density have a slightly increased risk of breast cancer. However, breast density alone should not dictate screening decisions. Doctors also consider age, family history, lifestyle, hormones, and other factors.
Dr Dulashi (Anna) Withanage Dona, Research Fellow at the Department of General Practice and Primary Care, emphasized, “This resource gives GPs consistent, evidence-based guidance so they can help patients consider screening options tailored to their individual circumstances. Shared decision-making is essential when discussing additional screening methods.”
Associate Professor Jennifer Stone, Cancer Epidemiologist at the University of Western Australia and Honorary at the University of Melbourne, added, “This guidance is the result of national collaboration. It builds on existing evidence to give women clear, consistent information about what their breast density means for their health.”
The guidance supports a move by BreastScreen Australia recommending that women be informed in writing of their mammographic density. Some state screening programs, like BreastScreen Western Australia, have already been notifying women for over a decade.
This initiative is part of the University of Melbourne’s Impact Accelerator in Health Futures, which aims to translate research into practical health improvements.
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