BreastScreen Victoria is now reporting breast density to all clients, helping them make informed decisions about their breast care. Clients will receive their breast density category with their results letter.
Breast density can only be reported with a mammogram, and it refers to the amount of glandular tissue in the breasts, not how they look or feel.
Having dense breasts can increase the risk of breast cancer; however, this should be considered alongside other risk factors, including age and family history.
Higher breast density can make it harder to find breast cancer on a mammogram, because both glandular tissue and cancers appear white on a mammogram image. However, we continue to recommend that women and eligible trans and gender diverse people aged 50 to 74 without breast symptoms have a breast screen (mammogram) every 2 years, as it is still considered the most effective way to detect breast cancer early.
The breast screening appointment will remain the same and will take the usual amount of time, around 10 minutes.
People with extremely dense breasts should discuss their breast density with a doctor and complete a risk assessment. Anyone with questions about their breast density and the need for further tests should speak to a doctor.
You can also learn more about breast density at breastscreen.org.au/breastdensity or call us on 8843 0029.