Role of breast density measurement in screening for breast cancer

Abstract

Mammographic breast density is an established risk factor for breast cancer and significantly reduces the sensitivity of mammography, yet its use within breast cancer screening programs in Australia is limited. We provide a contemporary snapshot of the role of breast density measurement in screening for breast cancer and review the recent evidence for an increasing role of breast density measurement as: a predictor of breast cancer risk, a predictor of ‘masking’, and a biomarker to monitor effectiveness of intervention strategies for primary prevention or improved breast cancer outcomes.

Keywords:

• Mammographic screening
• breast density
• risk prediction
• tailored screening
• biomarker

Conflict of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest.

Source of funding

JS is a National Breast Cancer Foundation Research Fellow. The content of this manuscript does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the National Breast Cancer Foundation.