For the first time in Australia, women can access painless breast cancer CT scans as an alternative to traditional mammograms. Unlike mammograms, which require breast compression and can be uncomfortable or painful—especially for women with dense breast tissue—this new technology offers a more comfortable experience without compression.
Benefits of Cone Beam Breast CT for Dense Breasts
About one-third of Australian women over 50 have dense breasts, and around 25% of women under 50 have very dense breasts. Dense breast tissue can make it harder to detect cancer using standard mammograms.
Cone beam breast CT provides greater image clarity and improved detection, particularly in women with dense or complex breast tissue. Brisbane Radiology is the first clinic in Australia to offer this technology, following a review of ten years of international research.
Dr. Jacqueline Milne, a radiologist, said, “It’s very useful for detecting small lesions in women with dense breasts and complex breasts. I sincerely believe this will change the paradigm of imaging in Australia, particularly for women with dense breasts.”
Patient Experience: Painless and Clear
Breast cancer screening patient Belinda Yates, 46, who accessed the scan through Australia’s Special Access Program, described the experience as “completely different” from a mammogram.
“Firstly, the scan is painless… it doesn’t touch the breast,” Yates said. “It’s a great test for me and allows me to see more clearly.”
How the Scan Works
The procedure includes an injection of contrast dye to improve visibility. After waiting two minutes, the scan is repeated to provide detailed images. These results help doctors better plan breast-conserving surgeries.
Dr. Ben Green, a breast and endocrine surgeon, explained the importance of detailed imaging. “Women are now able to beat breast cancer, so we don’t want to leave deformities behind. If you have a clear understanding of what tissue needs to be removed, the volume of the defect, and how it is filled, you can reduce the amount of surgery and the need for reoperation.”
Cost and Accessibility
Currently, the cone beam breast CT scan costs nearly $300 out-of-pocket and is not included in the BreastScreen program, which offers free mammograms to women over 40.
The technology has received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is awaiting registration in Australia.
New Guidelines on Breast Density Reporting
For the first time, national guidelines recommend that women be informed about their breast density after screening. However, some regions such as Queensland, Tasmania, and their territories have not yet introduced a formal reporting system.
Vicki Durston from the Breast Cancer Network Australia advocates for nationwide adoption. “We know that 2D mammography can reduce sensitivity to 64%, so we want those at high risk or with dense breasts to be able to choose supplemental screening that works for everyone,” she said.
Current Status of Breast Cancer Screening in Australia
While the new cone beam breast CT offers promising benefits, standard mammography remains the main screening tool across Australia. It detects the majority of breast cancers and is used in the national BreastScreen program.
A spokesperson for the UK Department of Health, Disability and Ageing noted there is still no global consensus on the best screening method for women with dense breasts.
Authorities emphasize that any additional imaging tests should be considered supplemental and may come with additional costs, as they are not covered by the national screening program.
The arrival of painless cone beam breast CT scans marks an important step forward in breast cancer screening, especially for women with dense breasts who face challenges with traditional mammograms.
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