Informing women that they have dense breast tissue following a routine mammogram may lead to unnecessary anxiety and confusion, a major new study has concluded. The research also found that women who received this information were significantly more likely to seek advice from their GP.
What the Australian Study Revealed
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Sydney and published in the BMJ, analysed data from 2,401 women in Australia. All participants, who were screened for breast cancer between September 2023 and July 2024, were classified as having dense breasts. They were then split into three groups.
One group acted as a control and was not told about their breast density. A second group was notified and given written information explaining the implications. A third group was told and provided with a link to an online informational video.
After eight weeks, the women were surveyed about their psychological response and their intentions regarding further medical consultation. The analysis showed that women who were told of their breast density were more likely to feel anxious and confused about what to do next compared to the control group.
Increased GP Consultations and Ongoing UK Review
The research highlighted a clear behavioural shift. Intentions to speak to a GP about screening results were significantly higher in the groups who were notified. Specifically, 22.8% and 19.4% of women in the informed groups planned to consult their doctor, compared to just 12.9% in the control group.
In Australia, breast density information is already part of screening results. In the UK, however, the practice is under review. The NHS breast screening programme in England does not currently assess or record breast density on mammograms. The UK National Screening Committee (NSC) is considering whether to introduce it.
Sophie Brooks, health information manager at Cancer Research UK, commented on the findings. She noted that dense breast tissue can make cancer harder to detect on a mammogram but emphasised it is not something individuals can check for themselves or change.
"This study suggests that telling women about their breast density has mixed results," Brooks said. "Women who were told were more likely to seek advice from their GP, but they were also more likely to feel anxious and confused, highlighting the need for clear information and support."
Calls for Clarity and Urgency in Policy Decision
The study's authors concluded that women notified about their dense breasts "felt anxious and confused, did not feel more informed to make decisions about their breast health, and wanted to be guided by their general practitioners."
Melanie Sturtevant, associate director of policy at Breast Cancer Now, stressed the importance of understanding the impact of sharing such risk information. "The findings underline that learning they were higher risk left many women feeling more anxious and confused, and more likely to ask their GP for further information," she stated.
Sturtevant also addressed the ongoing UK review, saying, "While we appreciate the need for a strong, evidence-driven process, we want to see the UK National Screening Committee conduct this with more urgency and transparency."
The debate continues as health authorities weigh the benefits of informed choice against the potential for causing undue psychological distress.
