Innovative Australian research is exploring how routine mammograms could help identify women at risk of heart disease, potentially paving the way for a two-in-one screening tool.
Researchers at The George Institute for Global Health have developed a machine-learning model that uses mammogram images and a woman's age to predict her risk of cardiovascular disease.
The research could mean women attending routine breast cancer screening may one day also have their cardiovascular risk assessed, creating opportunities for earlier identification and care.
Assistant Minister for Health Rebecca White MP visited The George Institute this week to learn more about the research from Associate Professor Clare Arnott, who leads its Cardiovascular Program and sits on the Ministerial Expert Panel on Women's Health.
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death among Australian women, accounting for approximately 1 in 4 female deaths in 2022.
Despite this, women's cardiovascular risk remains under-recognised, with women less likely than men to undergo cardiovascular screening in general practice.
The research also highlights the importance of the Ministerial Expert Panel on Women's Health, which is examining how to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease in women.
Associate Professor Arnott is among the leading researchers, clinicians, advocates and consumer representatives contributing expertise to the panel.
To date, the expert panel has held five meetings, one consumer roundtable and one clinical roundtable. It will provide final advice to Government on cardiovascular health in late 2026.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister White:
“Cardiovascular disease in women is frequently under-recognised due to differences in symptom presentation compared to men.
“What is often labelled 'atypical' is, in fact, typical for women. Failure to recognise these symptoms contributes to missed or delayed diagnoses.
“The possibility that a routine mammogram could help identify a woman’s risk of cardiovascular disease is incredibly promising. It means more women could be identified earlier and have the opportunity to access the care they need.
“Having researcher like Associate Professor Clare Arnott on our Expert Panel ensures we are drawing on leading expertise to improve cardiovascular care and outcomes for women.
“We want women to have their symptoms recognised, their concerns taken seriously and access to the right care. That’s what the work of our Expert Panel is ultimately about.”
Quote attributable to Professor Clare Arnott, Head of the Cardiovascular Program, The George Institute for Global Health:
"Around 1 million Australian women attend breast screening every year, yet most never have their heart health assessed. Our research asks whether the same mammogram could do both jobs.
"By combining mammogram images with a woman's age, our machine-learning model can predict her risk of cardiovascular disease. It's early work, but it points to a way of reaching women who are often missed by traditional screening.
"Cardiovascular disease is a leading killer of Australian women, and we know it is under-recognised. I'm grateful to Assistant Minister White for taking the time to see this work first-hand, and proud to contribute to the Ministerial Expert Panel on Women's Health as it shapes advice for Government."