Breast density, risk management and inclusive cervical screening: a primary care update

This session will be delivered in partnership with the PHN Southern Alliance, the Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer, BreastScreen Victoria and Cancer Council Victoria. Explore key developments in breast cancer risk management, including recognising breast symptoms, understanding breast density, and navigating new breast density reporting within the BreastScreen Australia Program. Expert insights into evidence-based assessment, referral pathways and patient communication will be provided.

This webinar will explore key developments in breast cancer risk management, including recognising breast symptoms, understanding breast density, and navigating new breast density reporting within the BreastScreen Australia Program. Expert insights into evidence-based assessment, referral pathways and patient communication will be provided.

A case study from general practice will demonstrate how to support patients from multicultural communities to participate in the BreastScreen program. It will also show how to educate patients to access, view and use their BreastScreen results through My Health Record.

The session will explore inclusive cervical screening for LGBTQIA+ communities, highlighting the unique barriers that can impact participation and outcomes. Participants will gain practical strategies to create safer, more inclusive screening experiences, build confidence in discussing cervical screening with people of diverse genders and sexualities, and apply current evidence-based clinical recommendations to support equitable, person-centred care.

The webinar will conclude with an interactive Q&A session, providing an opportunity to engage directly with an expert multidisciplinary panel and explore practical challenges encountered in primary care.

This session is designed for GPs, practice nurses and other primary care professionals seeking to strengthen their knowledge and confidence in delivering person-centred cancer screening care. 

Speakers

Dr David Speakman is a breast, melanoma and skin services clinician at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and State Clinical Director of BreastScreen Victoria, where he chairs the Quality and Accreditation Committee. A former Peter Mac Chief Medical Officer, he contributes to cancer education, clinical guidelines and optimal care pathways. In 2022, David received the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to medicine.

Sarah Mills has been the State Radiographer with BreastScreen Victoria since 2023 and has worked in screening and assessment since 2014. She is involved in policy and project work within the coordination unit, monitors image quality across the state and participates in quality committees.

Dr Jennifer Maxwell is a general practitioner, RACGP fellow, medical director and practice owner. She brings more than 15 years of experience across Australia and the United Kingdom. She is an active member of the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) General Practice Expert Advisory Group and recently joined the GP Integration Unit at Western Health as the General Practice Advisor. 

Dr Nick Silberstein is a general practitioner working in the Equinox Gender Diverse Health Centre, part of Thorne Harbour Health. It provides gender affirming care to people identifying as gender diverse or transgender. Nick was a member of the Australian Therapeutic Advisory Group for Immunisation for nine years, during which time he participated in policy and recommendations for the vaccine against human papillomavirus and contributed to the development of the cervical cancer elimination program

Learning outcomes:

• Describe evidence-based approaches to breast cancer risk assessment and management, including breast density reporting, symptom recognition and appropriate referral pathways for further investigation.
• Implement strategies to support equitable access and participation in the BreastScreen program for people from multicultural communities.
• Educate patients on how to locate, view and use BreastScreen results available through My Health Record.
• Apply cervical screening considerations for LGBTIQA+ communities, including evidence-based strategies and clinical recommendations.