What did the Australian study find about telling women about dense breasts?

The Australian study found that women told about their dense breast tissue experienced more anxiety and confusion, and increased their intention to speak with their GP.

Is breast density a risk factor for breast cancer?

Yes, dense breast tissue is considered a risk factor for breast cancer and can make mammograms more difficult to interpret.

Is the UK National Screening Committee considering breast density notifications?

Yes, the UK National Screening Committee is currently reviewing the findings and considering whether to inform women about their breast density.

Home / Health / Dense Breasts: Anxiety Surge in Screening Results

Dense Breasts: Anxiety Surge in Screening Results

4 Dec

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Summary

Telling women about dense breasts increased anxiety and confusion.
Women informed of dense breasts sought more GP advice.
UK considers Australia's findings on breast density disclosure.

Dense Breasts: Anxiety Surge in Screening Results

New research from Australia indicates that informing women about their breast density during screening can heighten feelings of anxiety and confusion. The study, involving over 2,400 women, found that those told they had dense breasts were significantly more likely to seek additional guidance from their general practitioners.

This disclosure, however, did not necessarily lead to greater understanding or empower women to make more informed decisions about their breast health. Instead, it primarily generated psychological distress, with participants expressing a desire for professional guidance on how to interpret these results.

The findings are particularly relevant as the UK's National Screening Committee reviews whether to adopt similar practices. While dense breasts can make mammograms harder to read and are a risk factor for cancer, the study highlights the potential negative emotional consequences of communicating this information directly to patients.