Krysty Sullivan

Breast density advocate empowering women to make informed decisions | Australian Breast Density Consumer Advisory Council Member

[Jennifer Stone @DrJenniferStone]

The distribution of breast density across women aged 18 to 97! #BreastDensity #BreastCancer #RiskManagement https://t.co/7tk0sP51CC

[Krysty Sullivan @KSSulliva]

Decades of evidence consistently demonstrates that density masks cancer on mammograms and increases risk. We also know additional diagnostic tools like MRI and ultrasound find additional cancers. When is there enough evidence? https://t.co/Hd5S4JhFaG

[Krysty Sullivan @KSSulliva]

I just finished three days at the 2024 BreastScreen conference “Towards Tomorrow” where so many innovative ideas were shared. What do you think breast screening should look like in the future?

[Krysty Sullivan @KSSulliva]

Systemic issues in Australian healthcare and medical research mean women often suffer poorer outcomes and disproportionately experience delayed diagnosis, overprescribing, and failure to investigate symptoms.
How can we better understand the barriers and bias that women face?
https://t.co/D9cCSsfxqk

[Krysty Sullivan @KSSulliva]

IWD was a moment to reflect on how far we have come and how much more is needed. In term of women’s health equity and inclusion, what steps do you think are needed?

https://t.co/Y56t8yDxEd,)%2C%20osteoporosis%2C%20and%20dementia.

[Krysty Sullivan @KSSulliva]

Is this TNBC vaccine / treatment trial available in Australia? TNBC, an aggressive breast cancer subtype with more limited treatment options, is in need of effective novel treatments. Will this help patients? https://t.co/gfO5Rp9ose

[Krysty Sullivan @KSSulliva]

I agree. Sometimes it feels surreal, like suddenly being the starting role in a sad TV movie of the week when you’d like to change the genre to romantic comedy. In the quiet moments, the terrifying unpredictable reality and the scary unknown creep in like a monster under the bed but this time real. We do what we can do, we live and love as long as we can because life is finite and precious for everyone.

[Krysty Sullivan @KSSulliva]

That’s not a theoretical question for me. Being less than 5 years out from diagnosis with an aggressive form of breast cancer, I opted not to lease a vehicle but to buy outright because I worried about leaving a mess for my hubby and kids. But, I did buy the car! I didn’t give up on being optimistic. It’s a tough call and everyone’s situation is a different. There’s no right or wrong answer but do make sure that you are looking out for your needs now. All the best to you.

[Krysty Sullivan @KSSulliva]

@BreastDense @EUSOBIyc @LobularIreland Yes! Women informed of density have enriched conversations with their doctors and develop screening programs that reflect their needs. Women who aren’t informed, are more likely to have interval cancers leading to poorer outcomes. It’s time to trust women.

[Krysty Sullivan @KSSulliva]

Did you know Australia’s BreastScreen is different in every state? Some inform women, most don’t. They are accepting public consultation until 20/2. Read the link below and leave feedback for BreastScreen to empower informed decisions. https://t.co/DESWlEycAE
https://t.co/MjgoGGrGIG
@Dr_densebreasts @mydensitymatter @Cheryl_Cruwys @BreastDense @pinkhopeaus

https://t.co/MjgoGGrGIG

[Krysty Sullivan @KSSulliva]

@koolbeans25 @ThanksCancer @jenniferraven3 Breast density increases your risk of developing breast cancer and also hides breast cancers, like mine, on mammograms. If you learned yours it’s thanks to small armies of advocates https://t.co/EHpSUQUGRj

[Krysty Sullivan @KSSulliva]

@koolbeans25 @ThanksCancer @jenniferraven3 Anyone else have dense breasts and only find this out after being diagnosed with breast cancer?

[Krysty Sullivan @KSSulliva]

How important is knowing your or your patient’s breast density to understanding the risk of developing breast cancer? This fascinating study reveals that density changes over time may be indicative of risk. https://t.co/aQUvoReuK4

[Krysty Sullivan @KSSulliva]

Who helped/s you get through #cancer #treatment?

[Krysty Sullivan @KSSulliva]

@DenseBreastInfo @CBSNews @joann @AmericanCancer @billdahutmd Thank you @JoAnnPushkin You’ve personally enabled us advocates half a world away in Australia to connect and shine a light on ways that our screening program can better support women with dense breasts like mine were. You are making such a difference <3

[Krysty Sullivan @KSSulliva]

@ErikThomps62913 @WendyIngman @BeInforMD_ Thank you Erik for spreading the word. The more people are informed, the richer the conversations doctors and patients can have. BreastScreen are seeking public consultation on the program. https://t.co/Op7sZesVht

[Krysty Sullivan @KSSulliva]

That 90% stat seems dated since many screening programs have adopted reporting. Australia’s BreastScreen has also taken a non-reporting stance but it is under review. The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists’ just updated its breast density position statement supporting reporting in both screening and diagnostic settings putting BreastScreen radiologists in conflict. If EU standards don’t require reporting, radiology best practice standards might.