Waving the flag about the importance of being breast aware and advocating for yourself
Vicki Durston, Director Policy, Advocacy and Support Services at Breast Cancer Network Australia, shared a post by Breast Cancer Network Australia on LinkedIn, adding:
“This is Anne Peek’s story.
Anne was someone I admired when I was working in the public healthcare system many years ago.
I couldn’t quite believe her story when it surfaced, as it mirrors the experiences of so many others. Despite being a well-informed health professional, Anne faced unexpected challenges. Thank you, Anne, for sharing your story with Breast Cancer Network Australia.
Her story highlights the need for our population-based screening programs to routinely consider factors like breast density.
It is vital that women like Anne are identified early through programs that incorporate risk assessment to help navigate the most appropriate screening pathway.
BreastScreen Australia’s review of its breast density position statement and the population-based screening program is nearing completion. BCNA is proud to have contributed to the consultation process and looks forward to the recommendations expected in early 2025.
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) updated their position on breast density last year, emphasising the importance of accurate reporting by both screening programs and diagnostic services.
We anticipate recommendations that will enhance early detection and outcomes for all women. Anne’s story can be found below.”
Quoting Breast Cancer Network Australia’s post:
“Anne is in her 70s and has attended scheduled Breast Screen mammograms every two years since her 50s and was given the all clear each time.
In 2023, just 5 months after she received another ‘all clear’, Anne noticed a change in her right breast along with a mass. After further testing she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer, with the primary having spread into her lymph glands and pectoral muscle.
Anne is now waving the flag about the importance of being breast aware and advocating for yourself, on top of having your regular mammograms.
‘Know your breast density and keep asking,’ advises Anne. ‘Women need to be informed about breast density and made aware of why they need to know.’
BCNA has been advocating for a risk-stratified model for the current BreastScreen population-based screening model so that the risk factor of breast density is also considered.
You can read more about Anne’s story.”
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