Now Reading: Australia to shift breast cancer screening from age to risk profile
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Australia to shift breast cancer screening from age to risk profile
Australia to shift breast cancer screening from age to risk profile
Australia will overhaul its breast cancer screening programme, moving from age-based invitations to risk-stratified screening over the next decade. The change means factors such as breast density, family history, genetic test results,…
The Story in Brief
Australia will overhaul its breast cancer screening programme, moving from age-based invitations to risk-stratified screening over the next decade. The change means factors such as breast density, family history, genetic test results, and artificial intelligence will determine who is screened and how often. Women with dense breasts, a strong risk factor, may need extra imaging like MRI or 3D mammography.
The review recommends using tools like iPrevent and CanRisk to calculate individual risk. However, pathways to access this risk information and extra imaging are not yet developed. Pilot studies are needed before large-scale rollout. Until then, women over 40 can still have a free mammogram every two years through BreastScreen.
The Indian Opinion
Australia's move towards risk-based screening sounds sensible, but the hype risks outpacing reality. The pathways for risk assessment and extra imaging remain undefined, and there is no clear plan to communicate complex risk information to women. Some will worry they are being left in limbo for the next ten years. The real test will be whether the government can build a system that gives women with dense breasts or strong family history timely access to advanced imaging, not just a risk score on paper.
Source: hindustantimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
