Breast Screening Uptake Continues, Expert Confirms
03 Oct 2025
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins, debate continues over Australia’s breast screening rates. A national breast screening organisation has warned that the country is falling “dangerously behind,” challenging new government data on participation.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) recently published the BreastScreen Australia Monitoring Report 2025, which shows an increase in the number of women taking part in breast screening. According to the report, more than 1.9 million women aged 50–74—52% of the target population—participated in screening in 2023–24. This is up from 1.8 million women, or 50%, in 2021–22.
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) has questioned the AIHW figures, describing the increase as a “marginal rise” that largely reflects population growth and recovery from COVID-19 disruptions. BCNA stated that participation has “flatlined” for more than 20 years.
However, Dr Lea Freeman, President of the Australian Society of Breast Physicians and member of RACGP Specific Interests Breast Medicine, said the data does show an increase.
“The data shows participation has gone from 50% to 52% of the target population, so it’s not flatlining—it has increased,” Dr Freeman told newsGP. She also noted that many women have breast screens in the private sector, which are not fully captured in national data.
Dr Freeman said that while the national BreastScreen program is “not perfect,” it provides vital access for eligible women and is “fantastic for our country.”
BCNA, however, said participation is still below the Australian Government’s 70% benchmark and lags behind some European countries that achieve 80% participation. BCNA Director of Policy, Advocacy and Support Services Vicki Durston warned that without major reform, Australia’s program will remain outdated, fragmented, and below expected standards.
BCNA also highlighted concerns about inconsistent breast density reporting and the lack of a clear pathway for risk-stratified screening.
Dr Freeman said all states are moving towards breast density reporting, but gaps remain. “We need to report breast density at the first mammogram, which could then guide women into the appropriate screening stream,” she said.
She also noted limitations in follow-up care due to a shortage of breast radiologists. “The sticking point is what women do with that information, and who provides extra screening for those at higher risk,” she said. “For example, in Brisbane, you can’t get a breast ultrasound for three months.”
Dr Freeman emphasised that while the program is improving, public health initiatives take time to implement fully.
Source: newsGP
