Early detection of breast cancer aims to reduce mortality and other serious consequences of advanced disease. Treating breast cancer in the early stages is more likely to result in improvements in local disease control, quality of life and life expectancy. The BreastScreen Australia (BSA) program aims to improve early detection rates by implementing a systematic approach to mammography screening for women in Australia.

The BSA national program was established in 1991 and is jointly funded by the Australian and local state and territory governments. The program is operated by the Program Management Group (PMG), which delivers local BSA services at a state and territory level. Local BSA services are accredited by the National Quality Management Committee (NQMC), which ensures that all women entering the program receive the highest possible quality of care.

AHA is engaged by the department to provide ongoing secretariat services to the BSA program. Our role includes administrative and secretariat support for the PMG and the clinical advisory group and working subgroups that make up the program. As a trusted partner of the BSA program, the success of AHA’s secretariat role is built on our team’s strong experience in public health, including screening program delivery, as well as our eye for detail, organisational skills and ability to flex to meet our program clients’ needs at short notice.

All women in Australia aged 50 to 74 years are actively invited by their local BreastScreen service to have a free mammogram every two years, while those aged 40 to 49 years and those aged over 74 years are also eligible to receive a free mammogram. The success of the BSA program is evidenced by the substantial drop in breast cancer mortality rates observed over time: 74 deaths per 100,000 women now down to fewer than 50 (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2019).

The PMG is pivotal to the success of the BSA program by ensuring the effective implementation of the program in line with local government and health service requirements. The PMG is also responsible for identifying issues at a local and national program level and making recommendations to the Australian Government. The PMG is guided and driven by an expert clinical advisory group on evidence-based best practice, potential risks and emerging technologies. For example, it is anticipated that artificial intelligence may have an important role to play in the program’s future as a tool to further enhance the accuracy of radiology review of breast screening images.