A microsimulation model of the BreastScreen Australia program

Abstract

The BreastScreen Australia breast cancer screening program uses biennial mammography (breast x-rays) to screen for breast cancer in the non-symptomatic population. Breast density is a measure of how much of the mammogram is occupied by usually normal breast tissue that is distinctly radiodense. The performance of the screening program is currently inferior for women with high breast density: they are found to have larger tumours at detection and higher rates of cancers detected between scheduled screens. More frequent screening for women with higher breast density might bring some benefit. Breast density varies substantially in the population and within women over time, and high breast densi..