General Practice Cancer Education. Breast density – what does it mean for GPs and their patients?

Overview
Mammographic breast density can be a challenge for general practitioners (GPs) and their patients. High mammographic breast density lowers the sensitivity of breast cancer screening; thereby increasing the risk of an interval cancer between screening episodes, and moderately increases breast cancer risk. Breast Screen WA is the only Australian state screening program to notify women and their GP when a mammogram shows marked increased breast density (and have been doing so for over 10 years). Women are advised in writing to consult their GP to discuss the significance of their breast density, to have a clinical examination and receive further advice about their breast cancer risk.
At this webinar, Associate Professor Jennifer Stone will discuss the significance of breast density, its occurrence, how to discuss the implications of increased breast density with patients, and the way forward.

Learning outcomes
1. Discuss the implications of increased breast density with patients
2. Describe how breast density influences breast cancer risk and mammographic sensitivity
3. State the supplemental screening recommendations indicated for patients with increased breast density
4. Recall the ongoing breast density research in Australia

Presenter
Associate Professor Jennifer Stone, Epidemiologist & Senior Research
Fellow, University of Western Australia

Registration

This activity has been
accredited under ACRRM PDP,
and the RACGP CPD Program –
Activity ID: 370447p