Significance of breast density

Learning outcomes

• Describe how breast density measured
• Summarise how density affects breast cancer risk
• List supplementary breast screening options

Speaker bio: Dr Joanna Morgan, Breast Surgeon

I am an experienced specialist breast surgeon focusing on the diagnosis, management and prevention of breast cancer. I provide surgical consultation and opinion, clinical evaluation including ultrasound in the rooms and perform surgery. I am mindful of cosmetic outcomes and utilise plastic surgical techniques to maintain or improve breast shape , termed oncoplasty. When mastectomy is required or desired, it is often performed with an immeidiate breast reconstruction with plastic surgeon colleagues.

I take time to explain what it means to have cancer and the implications, often with the aid of drawings, mapping out potential pathways, avenues of care and important considerations. I tailor treatment plans to each individual’s needs and discuss in confidence patient care plans with the multi-disciplinary care team at Cabrini.

I trained as a surgeon in Melbourne and regional Victoria and was awarded the Royal Australian College Dr Leslie prize for my clinical research. In 2002, as a Fellow I undertook a further two years of specialist training at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Adelaide.
I regularly meet with surgical colleagues to review clinical activities, am a team member in multidisciplinary meetings, and attend conferences and workshops to keep up to date with new discoveries and surgical techniques.