The hidden risk: understanding breast density and cancer

By Dr Susan Hawe12 June 20254 min read

Your Guide to understanding Breast Cancer and screening options.

By Dr Susan Hawes

How common is breast cancer?

Over 21,000 Australians will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. Risk of breast cancer increases greatly after the age of 50. However, around 1,000 women aged under 40 are diagnosed with breast cancer each year. 1:7 women and 1:550 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

I have felt a breast lump. Are most breast lumps cancerous?

No. Approximately 10% of breast lumps are cancers, and 90% are not cancer. It is important to have any new breast changes investigated with your doctor. This can include a new lump, dimpling of the skin, new onset redness, nipple changes such as crusting, ulceration, abnormal nipple discharge or new onset of nipple inversion.

Should I be checked out if I had a normal screening mammogram last year?

Yes. If a patient develops new breast symptoms these should be checked with a doctor. BreastScreen is a health initiative that aims to reduce illness and death from breast cancer. Women aged 50-74 are actively invited to free mammogram screening every 2 years. Women aged 40 to 49 or over 75 can also attend who do not have breast symptoms. Some women can also undergo breast checks and have breast imaging organised with their general practitioner.

Can women with breast implants have mammograms?

Yes. It is generally safe to have a mammogram with breast implants. However, it is important to advise the imaging company or BreastScreen beforehand so that the best images can be obtained.

What is breast density?

Breasts are made of a mixture of glandular tissue, fibrous connective tissue, and fatty breast tissue. It is not something that can be determined when breasts are examined. Only a radiologist looking at a mammogram can tell if a woman has dense breasts. Density describes the relative amount of these different types of breast tissue as seen on a mammogram. Dense breast tissue has relatively higher amounts of glandular and fibrous connective tissue and relatively low amounts of fatty breast tissue. Dense breast tissue can make mammograms more difficult to interpret because dense breast tissue and abnormal changes both appear white on mammograms whereas fatty tissue appears dark. This can result in women with dense breasts being called back for more follow-up testing to reduce risk of missing cancer. At present there is not enough evidence to recommend more testing in women with dense breasts; however, breast MRI, USS and contrast mammograms are tests that can give doctors more information to reduce the risk of missing cancer. You can discuss this with your GP or be referred to a breast specialist to discuss this further.

Are dense breasts common?

Yes, dense breasts are common. Nearly half of all women who are 40 and older who get mammograms are found to have dense breast tissue. Higher breast density can be hereditary, is associated with low body mass index and may be seen in women who use hormone replacement therapy for menopause symptoms. Lower breast density can be due to increasing age and having had children.

What is a strong family history?

Having 2 or more people in the family – particularly first- degree relatives (mother, sister or daughter) who meet any of the following criteria is classified as strong: • Breast cancer before age 40 • Triple negative breast cancer • First degree relatives with breast or ovarian cancer • Breast or ovarian cancer in the same woman • Male breast cancer • Breast cancer that occurs in both breasts • Ashkenazi Jewish history • Many people on the same side of the family affected by breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate cancer, sarcoma or melanoma. 95% of breast cancers have nothing to do with family history.

What tests will be performed if my doctor is suspicious of breast cancer?

After thorough history and clinical examination your doctor may order the following. Breast imaging such as mammogram and ultrasound and in some instances breast MRI. Diagnosis also requires taking some tissue with a biopsy which is usually performed by a radiologist and involves a fine needle biopsy or core biopsy. If you are diagnosed with breast cancer then you will be referred to a surgeon to discuss further treatment options.

What if I have breast cancer?

Many people diagnosed with breast cancer are successfully treated. Finding breast cancer early offers the best chance of successful treatment and recovery. The five-year survival rate for Stage 1 (early) breast cancer is, on average, 100% and Stage 2 is 95%. For locally advanced cancers (known as Stage 3) the survival rate is 81%, while the five-year survival rate for Stage 4 (metastatic breast cancer) is significantly lower at 32%.

Further information.

Having a breast problem can be very stressful, particularly if you need lots of tests. Some women who receive the all-clear with their results may find it takes time to stop worrying. The best contact is initially your general practitioner to speak to about any breast concerns you have and they can refer you to a breast specialist if required. Talking with your partner, family or friends can be helpful, or you can call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.

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The Rise and Rise of Hypnotherapy

You’ve probably slipped into a hypnotic state today. You just didn’t call it that. Have you ever driven somewhere familiar and suddenly realised you have no memory of the last few kilometres? You weren’t asleep, your attention simply wandered while your brain handled it automatically. We all experience periods of absorbed attention, which can also feel like daydreaming. Hypnotherapy uses that same state, guided deliberately toward a therapeutic goal. You may have heard of the lovely story about a man who asked his gardener what made his plants grow so beautifully. The gardener replied: “I don’t force them to grow. I remove what stops them. I pull out the weeds that are strangling their growth, clear the space around them, and position healthy plants to better receive the sunlight they need.” That is how I think about hypnotherapy. Sometimes old patterns, beliefs and emotional responses have shaped the way we think, feel and behave for years. We may consciously know we want something different, yet still find ourselves responding in the same familiar way. Hypnotherapy aims to explore what’s underneath those patterns, and may help loosen what’s no longer serving us, making room for new ways of thinking, feeling and doing. So, what does hypnotherapy actually feel like? You remain awake and aware. You can hear, speak, think and open your eyes at any time. For many people, hypnosis is experienced as deeply relaxing and focused. The outside world may feel less important as attention becomes absorbed in the therapist’s voice and suggestions. Depending on the goal, hypnosis might involve exploring a different perspective, rehearsing a new response, strengthening confidence or working with an unwanted habit or emotional pattern. But isn’t that just meditation? Not quite. Meditation helps us become still. Hypnotherapy uses that same focused, relaxed state and gives it direction and purpose. Meditation generally aims to cultivate awareness, presence and calm. Hypnotherapy uses focused attention and suggestion towards a specific therapeutic goal, working with thoughts, feelings, behaviours and patterns. What might people seek it for? Stress, anxiety, sleep difficulties, pain management, confidence, self-esteem, unwanted habits and phobias, such as a fear of flying or emetophobia (a fear of being sick), are among the reasons people may explore hypnotherapy. For an HSC student, that might mean a calmer relationship with exams, or reduced performance anxiety. Hypnotherapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all intervention, and no ethical practitioner should promise a particular outcome. What does the science say? For years, some dismissed hypnosis as a parlour trick. Modern neuroscience has given researchers a new way to investigate what actually happens. In a Stanford University study published in Cerebral Cortex, researchers used functional MRI to examine brain activity and connectivity during hypnosis. They observed changes involving networks associated with attention, cognitive control and self-awareness in highly hypnotisable participants. The research doesn’t suggest hypnosis is a magic switch, or that everyone responds the same way. But it does add to growing evidence that something measurable is happening in the brain during hypnosis. From athletes to celebrities and royalty Hypnosis has moved a long way from its stage-show associations. Athletes have explored hypnosis, visualisation and mental rehearsal as part of performance preparation. Dual Olympian Jodi Winter has spoken about her own experience of hypnotherapy, describing coming away feeling “deeply relaxed, clearer and lighter”, and the easing of anxiety she had carried for much of her life as “incredibly freeing.” Catherine, Princess of Wales, has spoken about using hypnobirthing techniques to help her cope with hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe pregnancy sickness condition, as well as during the birth of her three children. Perhaps high performers understand something the rest of us are increasingly recognising: the mind isn’t separate from performance. It is part of it. So why is hypnotherapy rising now? We’re surrounded by notifications, screens and constant demands for our attention, yet many struggle to switch off, sleep, feel confident or simply feel like themselves. Hypnotherapy offers something increasingly precious: deep, focused attention. For many women juggling work, family and everyone else’s needs, that kind of undivided attention on themselves is rare, and it can feel like coming up for air. In a world of surface-level, instant dopamine hits, depth is becoming essential. If that’s something you’re drawn to exploring, who you choose to guide you there matters. Choosing a hypnotherapist When choosing a hypnotherapist, know that the profession, like counselling, is unregulated. Look for the title ‘Clinical Hypnotherapist,’ and as a benchmark, ideally one who is a member of the Australian Society of Clinical Hypnotherapists (ASCH) or the Australian Hypnotherapists Association (AHA), both of which ensure high educational standards, ongoing supervision and continued training. With the right support, there’s a chance to learn something wonderfully new. Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have a mental health concern, speak with your GP or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. About the author Justine Williams Founder of The Feel Good Studio and Hyp Little Fairy Tales® Affectionately known as The Fairy Godmother for her work supporting children, parents and families. A highly regarded Clinical Hypnotherapist, speaker and multi-award-winning author. Website Email

By Justine Williams

Health and Wellness

A House in the Making – A Scent of things to come

For Paul James Graham, ‘Spencer Rambo’ represents the culmination of more than two decades immersed in hair, fashion and creative direction — and the beginning of something much larger. An award-winning hairdresser, educator, creative director and brand ambassador, Graham’s career has extended beyond the salon into education, editorial, competitions, judging, campaigns and major hair productions. That experience – and a reputation built over many years – now forms part of the foundation of Spencer Rambo. But Graham is not building it alone. His husband and long-time partner, Paul Dumenil, brings a different perspective. Where Graham’s career increasingly carried him beyond the salon, Dumenil remained deeply immersed within it – connected to the client, the craft and the everyday reality of creating beautiful hair. Their strengths are different, but complementary. Somewhere between Graham’s broader industry experience and Dumenil’s intimate understanding of the salon, Spencer Rambo began to take shape. Not simply as another name in haircare, but as a house – with its own point of view on beauty, fragrance, design and luxury. Its first expression is fragrance. CADENCE; In Perfect Time and ICON; Be Remembered are Spencer Rambo’s inaugural Hair & Body Perfumes. Designed to be worn through the hair and across the body, both feature an impressive 25% perfume concentrate, alongside Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate – an advanced form of hyaluronic acid chosen for its moisture-binding properties and affinity with the hair. The fragrances themselves are deliberately distinct. CADENCE opens with aldehydes and jasmine, moving through clove, orange blossom and jasmine before settling into marine notes, amber and musk – polished, atmospheric and sensual. ICON moves differently: floral notes and vanilla give way to amber and matcha, grounded by musk, ambergris and sandalwood for warmth, depth and lingering sophistication. They are, perhaps, best understood as perfumes that happen to understand hair. CADENCE and ICON are only the first glimpse inside the house Graham and Dumenil are building. What comes next is being kept deliberately close. For now, the clues are in the legacy of their hairdressing careers – a world beginning to reveal itself. CADENCE and ICON are the invitation. Behind them, the doors to Spencer Rambo are only beginning to open. “As professional hairdressers, we never take for granted the trust someone places in us when they invest their time and money in something we create for them. we want them to feel that same genuine value when they choose Spencer Rambo – in the quality, the formulation and the experience. Luxury can be beautiful and aspirational, but above all, it should be truthful — Paul & Paul

Health and Wellness

Why you need to put yourself first

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be easy to focus entirely on your responsibilities – including caring for others – leaving you on the back burner. If you’re constantly prioritising other people, it’s time to take a step back and remember that you deserve some TLC, too. Why is it so hard? There are many reasons why it’s challenging to put yourself first. Our culture for one. If you were surrounded by people telling you taking breaks means laziness or true love means always saying yes, you’ll likely feel pressured to ignore your own needs. Self-discipline, lack of motivation or not knowing how to seek help can also be barriers. You might also perceive the act as selfish, which runs contrary to the essence of prioritising oneself. But here’s why you should. Maybe you’re a parent who must put your children’s needs before your own or the eldest child expected to carry the responsibilities at home. No matter where you are in life right now, here are reasons why you should put yourself first this year. 1 You Risk Burnout When you constantly put other people’s needs above your own, you can drain yourself of energy. You do things like helping a co-worker or doing a favour for your sibling because you feel like you should, leaving you hopeless and exhausted. Show kindness to yourself first so you can show up fully for your loved ones. 2 Your Stress Can Impact Those Around You When was the last time you checked in with yourself and made time for your passion? Occupying yourself with responsibilities can lead to a lifestyle where stress becomes normal. If not addressed, it can affect your health and your relationships with others. 3 You May Lose Yourself in the Process Do you feel like you must be productive all the time? Ask yourself – are you doing it out of necessity or because your inner critic dictates you should achieve goals to be deemed perfect, worthy, and acceptable? It’s time to overcome those internal narratives that may impede your growth.

Health and Wellness

Get more out of your summer fruit

Words: Gabrielle Newman, ‘The Fast 800’ programme Nutritionist With the current cost of living and the price of healthy food on the rise, we know how frustrating it can be to throw away forgotten foods from the back of the fridge. Not only is it costing you money, the environmental impact is huge with annual food wastage totalling approximately 1.3 billion tonnes (that’s one trillion three hundred billion kilos!). Almost half of the fruit and vegetables produced worldwide fall within this number. Understanding how to preserve the freshness of your fruit and veg can save you time, money and be more nutritious. As a Nutritionist for The Fast 800 programme, here are my top tips to extend the life of fresh produce and minimise food waste. 1. Separate high-ethylene producing fruit Ethylene is a natural gas produced by fruit and can accelerate the ripening process of ethylene-sensitive fruit and vegetables. To prevent this from happening, keep fruit that is high in ethylene gas like apples and bananas separate from your other fruit and veg (unless you’re trying to speed up the ripening of your avocados). 2. Invest in storage containers with airtight seals Investing in quality storage containers will slow down the oxidation process and preserve nutritional content. Airtight containers create a protective barrier that helps maintain the purity of the produce – glass is ideal, but any container will do. This simple switch can make a significant difference in extending the shelf life of your fresh fruits and vegetables. 3. Tailor the temperature of your storage Different types of fruits and vegetables thrive in varying temperature conditions, so by tailoring the temperature of your storage you can significantly prolong freshness. For example, tomatoes are best stored at room temperature, while leafy greens prefer cooler environments. 4. Shop smarter Smart shopping is a key component; reducing food waste while maximising nutrient variety. By incorporating smart shopping practices and meal planning, you not only enjoy the benefits of fresh produce and cooking, you will minimise unnecessary waste. 5. Befriend the freezer Frozen vegetables can be just as nutritious as fresh, as they are snapped frozen when harvested. They can also be far more cost- effective as they’re often cheaper and have a longer shelf life once purchased. Incorporate frozen produce into smoothies, stir-fries, and soups for a quick and nutritious addition to your daily meals. 6. Try Top-to-Tail cooking Embrace “top-to-tail” cooking for fruits and vegetables by using the entire plant, including stems, leaves, and peels, in your recipes. This is not only good for the planet, but also enhances the nutritional profile of your meals. An easy switch is to stop peeling your veg, just give them a thorough wash.