Understanding Breast Density - Professor Wendy Ingman

I believe more states now advise clients on their initial free Breast Screening scan of their breast density - but in NSW it has only come 'in' in the last 12 months.

https://www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au/breast-cancer-and-screening/dense-breast-tissue-and-screening/

It is critical that ALL women are advised of their breast density on their first appointment and the possible consequences of having dense breast tissue.

Those attending the Mobile Buses (regional/rural & remote areas) need to be referred for an ultrasound, as the buses only have 2D mammograms, not 3D/Tomosynthesis mammograms that are much more accurate in detecting tumours.  However ILC - Invasive Lobular is difficult to detect in MOST machines!). My own ILC was missed in both a Mobile Bus and a 3D/Tomosynthesis mammogram!

(From Google:)

Following a landmark policy shift by BreastScreen Australia in May 2025, Australian states and territories are moving toward a consistent national approach to notify women of their breast density, with several having already implemented this process.

Current Status by State (As of 2025-2026)

• Western Australia & South Australia: Routinely notify women of their breast density.
• New South Wales: Began implementing breast density reporting in April 2025.
• Victoria: Is now notifying of Breast Density.
• Queensland: Currently conducting trials for reporting.

• https://www.breastscreen.qld.gov.au/about-us/bsq-working-towards-statewide-implementation-of-breast-density-recording-and-reporting

• Tasmania:  From mid-2025, as part of a staged implementation approach, BreastScreen Tasmania will inform attendees who are recalled for assessment, of their breast density.
• This means if you have had a normal screening mammogram, you will not be informed of your breast density!!!!
• Other jurisdictions: Working towards adopting the new national position statement. 
  NT: No decision on reporting on Dense Breasts at this point in time.
  

  https://nt.gov.au/wellbeing/cancer-services/breastscreennt

• ACT: No mention of Dense Breast Tissue being reported

• https://www.canberrahealthservices.act.gov.au/services-and-clinics/services/breastscreen-act

•  

Key Takeaways on Density Notification

• National Guidance: BreastScreen Australia now recommends that all women be informed in writing if they have high breast density (classified as C or D on the BI-RADS scale).
• Significance: Dense breast tissue can make it harder for doctors to spot cancers on a mammogram and is an independent risk factor for developing cancer.
• Action Plan: If you are notified of high density, you are encouraged to discuss this with your GP to assess your overall risk and determine if supplemental screening (like ultrasound or MRI) is necessary. 

The Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) has strongly supported this change to improve transparency and early detection. 

Thanks for your comment Occultdiagnosis​, breast density and its impact on the effectiveness of mammograms is certainly an issue many people in our community care deeply about. At the moment, approaches to breast density reporting and the use of additional imaging can vary across Australia, and this is an area of ongoing discussion, research, and advocacy. BCNA continues to listen to the experiences of people affected by breast cancer and to advocate for equitable, evidence based screening and information, so everyone can feel informed and supported. We appreciate you raising this important issue and adding to the conversation :)