This webinar will explore the latest developments in cancer screening, with a focus on improving early detection and promoting equitable care. Presenters will include healthcare professionals and community advocates who are leading efforts to enhance cancer screening pathways across diverse populations. The session will cover the impact of breast density on breast cancer risk and detection, provide guidance on managing care for patients with dense breasts, and highlight opportunities to improve screening in the LGBTQ+ community. It will also examine culturally safe practices for engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in screening programs. Participants will leave with increased confidence in applying evidence-based, inclusive screening approaches in their clinical practice.
This event is ACRRM accredited and RACGP approved for 1.5 hours of Educational Activity.
Learning Outcomes:
- Describe how breast density influences breast cancer risk and mammographic sensitivity
- Recommend an appropriate pathway for a patient with dense breasts
- Identify specific opportunities for cancer screening in the LGBTQ+ community
- Identify culturally safe cancer screening practices for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Speaker Information:
Dr. David is a specialist breast and melanoma surgeon and the former Chief Medical Officer at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. He is a practicing clinician working in the Breast and Melanoma and Skin services at Peter Mac and in private practice. He has more than 20 years’ experience in both of these specialities. David is the State Clinical Director of Breast Screen Victoria, Chair of Breast Screen Victoria’s Quality and Accreditation Committee and a member of the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia (COSA) Council representing melanoma and surgical oncology groups. David is actively involved in teaching programs for medical, nursing and allied health students from under graduate to postgraduate levels. He sits on numerous government advisory, NHMRC guideline, and optimal cancer care pathway committees and is currently Deputy Chair of the NHMRC non-melanoma skin cancer guidelines committee. In 2022, David received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to medicine, particularly cancer treatment. David is a firm supporter of patient-centred care. He strongly believes that a strong connection between the patient, the patient’s family and their entire treating team is vital in obtaining the best outcomes for patients with cancer.
Dr Virginia “Ginny” Baird is a GP with a specific interest in women’s health, particularly breast medicine and theperimenopause/menopause. In this capacity she works at North Hobart Surgical and has previously worked for Family Planning Tasmania for 7 years. She is training as a Breast Physician while she is employed as a GPSI in the Breast Clinic at the Royal Hobart Hospital, and with Breast Screen Tasmania. She also works as a surgical assistant for breast surgeons Dr Mills and Dr Sivarajah, and as a tutor in women’s health at the University of Tasmania. Ginny graduated from the University of Sydney in 2006 with a MBBS, having previously obtained a BMedSci (Hons) from the University of Sydney in 1994, and a PhD in Neuropharmacology from the University of Birmingham, UK, in 1999. She achieved her FRACGP in 2016. Ginny has completed a FPAA National Certificate in Reproductive and Sexual Health. She is a member of the Australasian Menopause Society, the Australasian Society for Breast Disease, and an associate member of the Australasian Society for Breast Physicians.
Ruth McNair AM is an Honorary Associate Professor at the Department of General Practice, University of Melbourne and a general practitioner/owner at an inner-Melbourne general practice. She has clinical and research expertise in lesbian and bisexual women’s mental health, sexual health, LGBT parenting, trans and gender diverse affirmation, LGBT health care and homelessness. She was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2017 for her academic, clinical and advocacy work, and is a Member of the Order of Australia in 2019 for significant service to medicine and as an advocate for the LGBTI community.
Emma Robertson is a proud palawa woman and a dedicated Aboriginal Health Practitioner with over 12 years of experience at Karadi Aboriginal Corporation, where she currently serves as the Health Team Leader. Emma is deeply committed to supporting Aboriginal communities to lead long, healthy, and empowered lives. Her work is grounded in cultural knowledge, community connection, and a passion for holistic, community-led healthcare.