Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is calling on the Federal Government to immediately action recommended reforms to the national BreastScreen program. The latest AIHW data reveals participation in BreastScreen has flatlined for more than 20 years. Despite three decades of investment, BreastScreen is outdated, and reviews have not kept pace with advancements in technology and population growth and remains a one-size-fits-all model for all Australian women.
The BreastScreen Australia Monitoring Report 2025 shows that in 2023 – 2024 1.9 million women aged 50–74 participated in BreastScreen — just 52.0% of the target population. This is only a marginal rise from 50.0% in 2021–2022, 1.8 million and reflects population growth and COVID recovery — not genuine program improvement. Of particular concern is consistently poor uptake and equity of access to screening by indigenous communities in the Northern Territory.
BCNA Director of Policy, Advocacy & Support Services, Vicki Durston, said the results are falling short of community expectations.
“We need the national screening program to work. Yes, more women are being screened — but that’s because there are more women, not because the program is performing better. The proportion screened has barely shifted since the 1990s. We are still well short of the 70% benchmark set by our own government, and far behind countries like Denmark, Sweden and Finland, where participation exceeds 80%. Australia is falling dangerously behind. The data released today clearly demonstrates that breast cancer is not solved and we still have a long way to go. “
BCNA is concerned there is a lack of national consistency on breast density reporting; no clear pathway to embrace risk stratified screening and a lack of clear direction and national investment in AI to support workforce shortages and improved technology to detect breast cancer early.
As Australia begins breast cancer awareness month Ms Durston says it’s unacceptable that the BreastScreen Australia National Policy and Funding Review, announced in 2023, has now been delayed until 2026.” Screening saves lives but without bold reform, Australia’s breast screening program will remain outdated, fragmented, and well below the benchmark our own government has set. Women and their families deserve better.”
