Breast Screening and Breast Density
Understanding Breast Density: What You Need to Know
What is Breast Density?
Breast Density Explained: Breast density refers to the proportion of fibroglandular tissue compared to fatty tissue in your breasts, as seen on a mammogram. Higher density means more fibroglandular tissue. Impact on Mammograms: Dense breasts can make it harder for mammograms to detect cancer, as both dense tissue and tumors appear white on the images.
Why Does Breast Density Matter?
Cancer Detection: Dense breasts may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer and can hide small tumors, making cancers harder to detect early.
Personalized Screening: If you have dense breasts, you might receive tailored advice or be recommended additional imaging, such as an ultrasound, based on your individual health needs.
What You Can Do:
- Stay Informed: Ask your healthcare provider about your breast density and what it means for your screening routine.
- Follow-Up: If advised, attend any additional imaging appointments to ensure thorough examination.
- Regular Screenings: Keep up with regular mammograms, as they are essential for early detection, even with dense breasts.
- Key Contacts & Resources:
Book Your Appointment: Call 13 20 50 for BreastScreen appointments. For interpreter assistance, contact TIS at 13 14 50. - Learn More: Access detailed resources like the Cancer Council’s “BreastScreen and You” brochure or BreastScreen NSW’s factsheet, available in multiple languages.
Points to Remember:
- Younger Women and Density: Women aged 40-49 often have denser breasts, which can limit mammogram sensitivity. Discuss your personal screening plan with our team.
- Individualised Care: Not all services notify about density routinely; decisions are guided by national and state guidelines to avoid overdiagnosis.
If you are recalled by your team to discuss your breast density, please complete the I-prevent breast cancer risk assessment on this link and bring your results to your appointment so your GP can best plan your individualised screening program.
Questions or Concerns? Feel free to reach out to our healthcare team with any questions about breast density and your screening options. We’re here to help you make informed health decisions!
Important News
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Influenza is caused by a virus. Most people recover after a few days, but in some it can be life-threatening. To avoid influenza, have an annual influenza vaccination. If you have influenza, cover your coughs and sneezes, wash your hands before touching others, and stay at home.
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Talking to your GP about a change in your mental health is a very good place to start to get you on the road to recovery. GPs care for many people who are feeling low or distressed. They can help you find a way back to a better frame of mind.
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The more prepared and motivated you are, the more likely you are to succeed in quitting. Developing a quit plan can help. The benefits that you have to gain as a non-smoker outweigh the short-term difficulties of quitting.
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IUD’s are safe, cheap and effective contraception, and work well to control heavy periods.
Do you need a skin lesion looked at or removed?
Which ever doctor you choose here at Blackbutt, they will be very happy to give you thorough skin check.
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Identifying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients is important because it makes a difference to clinical care.
Cervical Screening has changed
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Sleep disorders are a very common reason for presentation to the GP. Sleep is so important to your physical and mental health so it’s crucial that if you are consistently having trouble sleeping that you discuss this with your GP.
Being connected to your health has never been easier!
At Blackbutt Doctors, we are incorporating technology to make communication about your health as easy and convenient as possible.
Changes to Billing for TeleHealth Appointments
Important patient information regarding changes in billing for TeleHealth appointments.
Blackbutt Clinical Centre win PHN’s ‘Supporting Patients Through Technology’ Award
Blackbutt were awarded for ” Supporting Patients Through Technology” last night at the Primary Health Networks’ Primary Care Quality and Innovation Awards 2021.
Infectious Symptoms Clinic Ceasing
From Monday the 20th of March 2023 there will be a different way to manage clinic appointments.
AI transcription for note-taking during consultations.
Starting Monday, August 5th, our general practice will implement AI transcription for note-taking during consultations.
Breast Screening and Breast Density
Understanding Breast Density: What You Need to Know
Changes to Mental Health Appointments Under Medicare
Medicare is introducing updates to the Better Access mental health program to help improve continuity of care and support ongoing patient wellbeing.
Important Centre Update – Bulk Billing
From 1 November, you may encounter media coverage suggesting that general practices are “returning to bulk billing.” We wish to be transparent—this change does not apply to our clinic.
Welcoming Dr Andrew French to Blackbutt Doctors
Blackbutt Clinical Centre is pleased to welcome Dr Andrew French to our growing team of dedicated general practitioners.