Health

What Kiwi women aren't told about their breast cancer risk

09:08 am on 23 July 2019

Dr Monica Saini believes New Zealand women should be given more information about the density of their breasts when they get a mammogram. Photo: Supplied

Are New Zealand woman missing out on key information about their risk of developing breast cancer? Some women have higher breast density than others, meaning they have a greater proportion of fibrous tissue in the breast compared to fat. That can indicate a higher risk of developing cancer, as well as making it harder to read a mammogram. In the US, it's now mandatory for breast density to be included as part of a mammography report - but New Zealand doesn't collect such data. Kathryn asks Dr Monica Saini, breast cancer expert, senior radiologist with Hutt Valley Health, and Consultant Diagnostic Radiologist with Volpara Solutions, why she thinks it should be.

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