Latest news with #breastdensity
News.com.au
21 hours ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Do larger breasts increase breast cancer risk? What experts really say
It is a question often asked but rarely answered clearly: does having larger breasts increase your risk of breast cancer? As breast cancer cases in young Aussie women increase at a concerning rate, this question has never been more pressing. According to leading breast cancer surgeon and researcher Dr Sanjay Warrier, the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no. 'Breast size in itself is not considered a direct or independent risk factor for breast cancer,' Professor Warrier told 'The assumption that larger breasts may increase risk lacks strong clinical evidence and is not supported by robust data.' However, he urges women with larger breasts to still be proactive about their health, especially if they have other contributing risk factors such as a family history of breast cancer, a sedentary lifestyle, or hormonal influences. Breast density a more important factor More importantly, breast tissue composition, specifically breast density, plays a far more significant role in breast cancer risk than size alone, Prof Warrier said. The BI-RADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) density scale is used to classify breast tissue, with categories C and D indicating higher density. Women with smaller breasts can still have high breast density, which is why it's important to check the scale. High-density breast tissue is associated with a slightly increased risk of cancer and can make tumours more difficult to detect on standard mammograms, as dense tissue appears white on imaging, which is the same colour as potential tumours. For women with larger breasts, tumours may also be more difficult to detect, sometimes leading to delayed diagnosis. In these cases, contrast-enhanced mammography or a MRI is often recommended for improved clarity. Other factors to consider Prof Warrier also highlighted that women with a higher Body Mass Index (BMI), which may correlate with larger breast size, are at a statistically higher risk of developing breast cancer, especially after menopause. 'Higher body weight means more fat tissue, which in turn increases oestrogen levels, leading to a higher risk of hormone receptor-positive breast cancers,' he said. 'Hormonal exposure across a woman's lifespan, including early menarche, late menopause, and hormone replacement therapy, also elevates risk by increasing the duration of oestrogen exposure.' A preventive approach The key takeaway is that breast size alone does not determine your cancer risk. It's the broader picture of lifestyle, hormonal exposure, weight, family history, and breast density that matters. Prof Warrier advises women of all body types to adopt a preventive approach to breast health, incorporating self-examinations, regular screenings, a wholefood diet, physical activity, and limiting alcohol and processed food intake. Taking a personalised approach to breast cancer screening is also increasingly regarded as best practice. New research proves promising While standard population-based screening generally begins at age 50, emerging evidence suggests that earlier and more frequent screening may benefit those at higher risk. Landmark studies such as the PROCAS trial in the UK and the ROSA Project in Victoria are exploring risk-based models that take these variables into account. These studies are helping to shape new guidelines for tailored screening strategies. This may not only lead to earlier detection but also reduce the need for aggressive treatments and improve overall outcomes by catching cancers at a more manageable stage. Breast cancer diagnoses on the rise It comes as breast cancer diagnoses continue to rise among young women in Australia. Breast cancer is estimated to be the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women aged 20-39, and every day around three women under 40 are diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancers in young women tend to have different characteristics and poorer survival outcomes compared with older women, making early detection vital. If you have concerns about your breast cancer risk, make an appointment with your GP to discuss your personal situation and the best screening options for you.
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
BreastScreen Australia Density Reporting Rule is a Critical Step for Women says Volpara Health, the Leader in AI-assisted Breast Density Measurement
Volpara software is used to assess the breast density of more than 1 million Australian womenannually WELLINGTON, New Zealand, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Volpara Health, a Lunit a company and global leader in software for the early detection of breast cancer, today applauded the significant advancement in breast health management with BreastScreen Australia's new position on breast density reporting. This new guidance recommends that all BreastScreen services in Australia provide breast density information to clients, enhancing awareness and understanding of this critical risk factor. A Step Toward More Accurate and Personalised Breast Cancer Screening Volpara's Scorecard software is utilised to measure the breast density of over 1 million women annually across Australia, including in BreastScreen Victoria and BreastScreen South Australia. This comprehensive, AI-driven approach supports physicians in making consistent, objective assessments, helping to ensure that breast cancer risk is more accurately evaluated for each patient. Volpara's volumetric breast density assessment software, including its proprietary Volpara® TruDensity™ AI algorithm, provides consistent and precise breast density measurements. Cleared by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), FDA, Health Canada, and CE-marked in Europe, this technology has been validated in more than 400 scientific articles and research abstracts, underscoring its reliability and accuracy. "We've been collaborating with leading clinicians and researchers worldwide for over a decade to make critical information about breast composition and its link to breast cancer more accessible," said Craig Hadfield, CEO, Volpara Health. "The new guidelines from BreastScreen Australia validate our focus on applying tech and AI advancements to breast density and are a significant step forward in enhancing the experience and understanding for women and their healthcare providers. We encourage women to contact their local healthcare provider and ask how they assess breast density." Understanding Breast Density: A Critical Risk Factor Breast density is an important factor in both breast cancer detection and risk assessment. It has been linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer, while also making it more challenging to detect cancer through mammography. In Australia, approximately 40% of women have dense breasts, including 12% with extremely dense breasts. As breast density increases, the accuracy of mammography decreases. Research published in Radiology reveals that mammography can miss up to 50% of cancers in women with the densest breast tissue. Since both dense breast tissue and tumours appear white on a mammogram, cancers are often concealed, potentially delaying diagnosis. Studies confirm that early detection rates improve significantly when women with very dense breasts receive additional imaging, such as ultrasound or MRI, as part of their regular screening regimen. The Path Forward: Embracing Personalised Screening Breast density information is also integrated into several risk models, which helps identify women at higher risk of breast cancer who may benefit from supplemental screening. Volpara Scorecard is the only commercial automated software validated for use in both the Tyrer-Cuzick 8 and CanRisk (BOADICEA) riskmodels, providing consistent and robust breast density measurements. With this new guidance, Volpara is poised to play an essential role in supporting risk assessment and personalised screening in Australia, further advancing the goal of improving outcomes for women. The importance of personalised screening has also been recognised by other Australian health bodies, with Medicare recently introducing reimbursement for high-risk breast MRI screening based on Tyrer-Cuzick 8 or CanRisk risk assessment. This marks a growing recognition of the need for tailored breast cancer screening strategies that consider individual risk factors, including breast density. About Volpara Health Volpara Health is on a mission to save families from cancer with AI-powered software that helps healthcare providers better understand cancer risk, guide personalized care decisions, and recommend additional imaging and interventions. Used in over 3,500 facilities by more than 9,500 technologists worldwide. Volpara's software impacts nearly 18M patients, supports over 3.6M annual cancer risk assessments, and integrates seamlessly with electronic health records and imaging systems. Volpara helps radiologists quantify dense breast tissue with precision and technologists produce mammograms with optimal positioning, compression, and dose. Volpara software also streamlines operations to ease compliance and accreditation. Volpara, a Lunit company, is headquartered in Wellington, New Zealand, and has an office in Seattle. Volpara is the trusted partner of leading healthcare institutions globally. For more information, visit Logo - View original content: SOURCE Volpara Health Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data
ABC News
01-06-2025
- General
- ABC News
ACT, NT, Queensland and Tasmania yet to include breast density reports as part of routine mammograms
Canberra woman Jenny Edwards feels very lucky. This year her routine mammogram showed a few small white spots, prompting a call for her to come back for a better look. A 3D scan and ultrasound found a small tumour, and also revealed Ms Edwards had high breast density. "I had no idea I had dense breasts, [or that they] were hiding various lumps," she said. "As well as a tumour in my left breast I had two fibroadenomas — which are other sorts of benign lumps — and in my right breast I had a cyst. Ms Edwards is now undergoing radiation treatment, and said she was lucky those few white spots were caught at all, particularly given her dense breasts and the fact she had no known family history of breast cancer. Breast density refers to the amount of glandular and connective tissue in the breast, compared to fatty tissue, as seen on a mammogram. High breast density not only makes breast cancer harder to detect through routine 2D mammography, but is also an independent risk factor for developing breast cancer. BreastScreen Australia is the national screening program, jointly funded by the federal, state and territory governments, to provide free mammograms through state-run services. There have long been calls for BreastScreen Australia to change its national policy not to record participants' breast density, nor report it to them. Last week, BreastScreen Australia updated its policy to recommend that everyone screened be informed in writing of their breast density, and encouraged to have further discussions with their GP about additional screening options. But currently only New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia measure and report breast density. Breast Cancer Network Australia's Vicki Durston said a person's access to potentially lifesaving information about their breast density and cancer risk shouldn't be dependent on where they lived. "We need every state and territory to act now to provide this information, along with clear pathways for supporting women at higher risk. "The progress being made elsewhere shows timely implementation is both achievable and beneficial for women." In a statement, the ACT government said it was "working on plans to introduce recording and reporting of breast density following mammograms", but it did not have a timeline for implementation. On their websites, BreastScreen Queensland says it's "actively working towards statewide implementation of breast density recording and reporting", while BreastScreen NT says breast density will be included in results by 2026. Kym Berchtenbreiter, who has lived experience with breast cancer, said if she had known she had dense breasts when she received a negative mammogram result her outcome may not have been as severe. "If I'd known that I had extremely dense breasts … I could have looked into the possibility of having supplemental screening, and perhaps my outcome might not have been as severe as it was," Ms Berchtenbreiter said. "[Instead] within 12 months of that negative result I was subsequently diagnosed with early breast cancer and underwent a mastectomy, chemotherapy and years of hormone blocking treatment. "But I'm one of the lucky ones. I'm still here to tell this story. "There are others who are not that fortunate because interval cancers got missed in a screening." Ms Berchtenbreiter said it was important to inform people of their breast density because looking for a tumour in very dense breast tissue was "a bit like looking for a polar bear in a snowstorm". "It's vital that women are informed about their breast density, so they can make informed decisions about supplemental screening options," she said. "We are so fortunate to have a breast screening program in Australia but let's make it even better, and save more lives, by having a national commitment to reporting breast density." Statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) show last year 58 people were diagnosed with breast cancer every day in Australia, most of them women. The AIHW estimated 3,272 women and 36 men — or one in nine Australians — died from breast cancer in 2024. National Breast Cancer Foundation CEO Cleola Anderiesz said nobody could tell their own breast density. "The size of your breast, or how firm or not firm your breast feels, doesn't give you any indication of your breast density. It has to be detected through a mammogram," Ms Anderiesz said. "What it measures is the relative amount of dense breast tissue — so glandular and connective tissue, which actually appears white on the mammogram — compared to non-dense — or fatty — tissue, which appears dark." She said early detection was critical to improving outcomes from a breast cancer diagnosis. "For example if your breast cancer is diagnosed at what we call stage one, where it's still confined to your breast, your five-year survival outcomes are actually 100 per cent. "So it's a really important thing for women to be informed about because they can then have a shared conversation with their GP or their breast specialist about their level of risk of developing breast cancer — and ultimately that knowledge is power." Ms Edwards said her message to others who didn't know if they had dense breasts was to "go get screened". "I've got an adult daughter who now, because of her family history, I suspect also has dense breasts. "It would be good to know that so she can monitor things earlier than the free mammograms, which kick in at 40."
