New GP Guidance Helps Women Understand Breast Density and Cancer Risk
24 Nov 2025
The guidance is intended to offer consistent information regarding breast cancer risk and the next steps for women who are found to have dense breasts.
Associate Professor Magdalena Simonis, a GP in Melbourne with expertise in women’s health and a member of the BreastScreen Australia Clinical Advisory Group, explained that dense breast tissue can make it more difficult to detect early-stage cancers using a standard two-dimensional mammogram.
“Breast density can change over time and does not relate to how breasts appear,” she said.
“Women need to understand their density category—A, B, C, or D—because it helps make decisions about further testing.”
The Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) categorizes breast density from category A (entirely fatty) to category D (extremely dense).
Women in categories C (about 40% of women) and D (about 10%) are advised to talk to their GP about whether further testing is necessary.
Associate Professor Simonis stressed the value of individualized discussions that consider other risk factors such as family history, genetic factors, lifestyle, previous cancer, and breastfeeding history.
She noted that although breast density slightly raises the risk, it is not the most significant risk factor for breast cancer.
Professor Jon Emery from the University of Melbourne added that the guidance helps address a major gap in women’s understanding of breast density and its effect on cancer detection.
“Women with dense breasts may find it helpful to talk to their GP about managing their risk, which could include additional imaging tests,” he said.
Around 1.95 million Australians aged 50 to 74 took part in BreastScreen Australia in 2023–2024, which represents approximately 52% of the eligible population.
Some states, including South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia, and New South Wales, already report breast density, with other regions expected to do the same in the future.
Associate Professor Simonis pointed out the success of the national screening program since its start in 1991, which has led to a 50% reduction in breast cancer deaths.
Source: Department of Health, BreastScreen Australia
