Cancer in Primary Care researchers on ABC News Breakfast

Dr Dulashi (Anna) Withanage Dona and A/Prof Justin Tse from our Cancer in Primary Care Group appeared on ABC News Breakfast on November 20 to discuss new breast cancer screening guidelines for General Practitioners.

The resource was developed by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and was driven by research from our Cancer in Primary Care Group, alongside collaborators from The University of Western Australia.

It will assist GPs in advising patients on breast density and its implications for cancer screening, standardising care across Australia by providing consistent, evidence-based information.

Understanding breast density is crucial for personalised screening approaches and may provide information missed in a standard mammogram. The new recommendations mean that GPs will be better prepared in explaining the implications of breast density for cancer screening, screening effectiveness, and conducting risk assessments.

"Until now, guidance available to GPs when consulting patients notified of their breast density has been inconsistent. The new resource will allow GPs to be better equipped to discuss breast cancer risk management, including additional imaging tests and when to complete a risk assessment," said Dr Withange Dona.

This guidance, developed through national collaboration and extensive consultation, is based on existing evidence and input from breast specialists, radiologists, GPs, policymakers, researchers, and people with lived experience.

Congratulations to Dr Dulashi (Anna) Withanage Dona Prof Jon Emery, Dr Jennifer Stone, Dr Sibel Saya, Prof Justin Tse, Dr Sue Malta, A/Prof Jacqueline Frayne, A/Prof Lucy Gilkes, Dr Daniel Lee, Dr Sue Malta, Ms Anne White, Ms Ellen Kerrins and everyone involved in the development of this crucial resource.

You can watch the interview here.