Women to be notified of their breast density
BreastScreen NSW is happy to announce that we will commence reporting breast (mammographic) density to clients and their GPs at the end of April 2025.
There is growing interest in breast density in Australia and this important information will support NSW women to make informed choices about their breast care and better understand their breast cancer risk.
Breast density: What it is and why it matters
Breasts consist of fatty and fibroglandular (dense) tissue. Breast density is the ratio of dense to fatty tissue and all categories of breast density are considered normal. However, extremely dense breast tissue can reduce the visibility of cancers on a mammogram. It is also a known risk factor for breast cancer, along with several risk factors including age, obesity and alcohol consumption.
We encourage you to find out more information:
Your breast density report
We will use software to report breast density to clients who will be provided with a breast density category A: less dense – D: extremely dense, with their screening results. Clients will also be provided with a Breast Density Factsheet to highlight this new information, with a link to frequently asked questions on our website.
All women, including those with dense and extremely dense breasts, are recommended to have their regular breast screens (mammograms).
