BreastScreen NSW now to advise of Breast density

Nine News, this evening, advised that BreastScreen NSW (BSNSW) will be advising clients of their Breast Density from now on and the risk is poses  - and this should hopefully result in earlier detection of breast cancer in women who have Dense Breast Tissue.

Only Tasmania, Qld and Northern Territory now, do NOT advise of Breast Density in Australia.

BCNA's Vicki Durston was also interviewed.  (It should be available to view on Nine News shortly.)

Dense Breast Tissue is often associated with younger women - but I was in my late 60s, when diagnosed - hardly 'young'!   😉

Dense Breast Tissue shows as 'white' on a Mammogram - as does many BC Tumours.  WHITE ON WHITE = INVISIBLE!

My own BC (Invasive Lobular Cancer) - and many more members - was missed by the BreastScreen Bus in my NSW home town, just months before my GP detected it when she checked (even tho I'd told her my Screening was clear!)  ..... I was called back for 2 more screenings (told there was a problem with the initial screening) before a biopsy was suggested - which showed my Tumours. 

It is particularly important for those with Invasive Lobular Breast Cancer - as it doesn't show as a 'tumour' as such ..... is it more 'strand like' and is even MORE difficult to identify in a mammogram.

This confirms that BC tumours do NOT necessarily show on the mammogram - especially if Rural/Regional/Remote women are relying on BreastScreen Buses ... which do NOT have the latest 3D machines/tomosynthesis on board the buses.   🙁. 

If YOU live in rural/regional/remote areas .... make sure you advise your daughters/sisters/any female to get checked at a PROPER radiography facility & do NOT just rely on the BreastScreen Buses!  From age 40 (not age 50 as BSNSW continues to advertise!)  There is NO upper limit either .... so if you are older than 74 - make sure you ring & book, every 2 years!

Women with Dense Breast Tissue should be advised to have an Ultrasound and possibly an MRI to identify if there is an issue - with a biopsy to confirm the presence of BC.