Associate Professor Jennifer Stone

A/Professor Stone's latest projects

• Genetic variants for mammographic density

  Mammographic density (MD) is the term used to describe the density of tissue within the breast, with epithelial and stromal tissue making up the dense tissue, as compared to less-dense fatty tissue.

  MD can be used to predict breast cancer risk, and women who have high MD are four to six times more likely to get breast cancer than of the same age who have little or no MD.

  We are researching mammographic density to identify novel genetic variants associated with breast cancer risk, to increase understanding of the biological pathways involved in the development of breast cancer.

  This research can be used to identify which women are at high risk of developing breast cancer, and by comparing thousands of mammographic images, we are creating a detailed database of high-risk family information.

  This data will lead to increased understanding of the causes of breast cancer, improved disease prediction and, since mammographic density is a modifiable risk factor, targeted prevention.

• Breast density in Western Australian Aboriginal women

  Not much research has been done to better understand breast density in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and its associated breast cancer risk and mortality.

  We are studying these ethnicities, and various socio-economic statuses and remoteness of residence, to assist in identifying groups of women at a higher disease risk.

  Through our research, we will uncover whether the distribution of breast density in Western Australian Aboriginal women is different to non-Aboriginal women of the same age and from the same area.

  Through resources provided by BreastScreen WA and linked cancer and mortality data via the department of Health WA, the study will determine whether breast density could be used in a screening setting to identify and target groups of women at higher (or lower) risk. This has the potential to improve screening options for women all over Western Australia.

• Measuring breast density in younger women

  The higher the breast density, the more at risk you are of developing breast cancer, and so reducing breast density could reduce breast cancer risk.

  By monitoring younger women and their breast density, we can look at the change in their breast tissue over time, prior to the recommended mammographic screening (which is currently 50), to not only detect breast cancer but to prevent it from developing.

  We are piloting the use of a Transillumination Breast Spectroscopy (TiBS), which can be used to measure breast density through infrared light. This method is quick, safe and pain-free.

  Through the use of the TiBS tool, we are developing a standardised breast density score which could be used to further understand breast density in younger Australian women.

  Following further testing, TiBS could be used as a clinical tool to assist in identifying breast cancer, or those at high risk of developing breast cancer, in younger women aged 18-40.

• Breast Density Survey

  Through this project we are assessing knowledge and awareness of breast density throughout Western Australia and increasing the awareness of the link between breast density and cancer.

  Researchers found the link between breast density and cancer years ago, and yet not many people have a knowledge of this information.

  Through a consumer consultation program, we are uncovering current knowledge about breast density and finding the best way to allow women to make an informed breast health decision.

  All women who have attended BreastScreen WA since 17 December 2017, excluding those who have been recalled for further assessment, have been invited via email to complete the Breast Density Survey.

  This study will be the largest and most comprehensive investigation so far completed on the impact of informing breast screening participants that they have dense breasts.

  Findings from the survey will give us the basis for BreastScreen programs to report measures of breast density to future participants.