Breast Cancer Grand Round with Dr Julia Matheson

01 May 2024

Dr Julia Matheson discusses a more sensitive surveillance modality, in the context of current evidence on safe surveillance imaging regimes.

Women with a personal history of breast cancer (PHBC) have an increased risk of subsequent breast malignancy, including poorer prognosis interval cancers. They may benefit from a more sensitive surveillance modality than mammography +/- ultrasound. We will share our experience at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and Royal Women's Hospital of Contrast Enhanced Mammography in surveillance. We will review these results in the context of current evidence on safe surveillance imaging regimes, hoping to stimulate a discussion on optimal surveillance.

The VCCC Alliance Breast Cancer Grand Round is targeted at a clinical audience and features open discussion about real cases and patients. While these cases are de-identified, the imagery, content and discussion can be graphic. It is not appropriate for consumer participants.

Chair:

Prof Christobel Saunders AO MBBS  FRCS  FRACS  FAAHMS
James Stewart Chair of Surgery, Head of the Department of Surgery, the University of Melbourne; Director of Medical Research at Melbourne Medical School;  Director to the VCCC Alliance Board; Consultant Surgeon , Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Prof Saunders is internationally recognised as one of Australia’s most prominent research-orientated cancer surgeons. She has substantially contributed to breast cancer research, including clinical trials of new treatments, and psychosocial, translational and health services research. In recognition of her sustained career excellence and innovation, she has been publicly acknowledged through numerous awards and honours including the Order of Australia 2018, the Uccio Querci della Rovere Award (2018), WA Women’s Hall of Fame Inductee (2018), WA Scientist of the Year (2017), Cancer Council WA Career Achievement Award (2021) and was elected to the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Science in 2016.

Prof Saunders has performed research for over 30 years evaluating the efficacy and utility of therapy for early breast cancer. In the past five years, she has published over 200 peer-reviewed journal articles. She sits on the boards of several health and research organisations including as Vice-President for All.Can International and on the boards of All.Can Australia, Breast Cancer Trials, the Australian Centre for Value-Based Health Care and PathWest. She is closely involved in strategic planning and management of health and cancer services in Australia including being a member of the Medicare Review Advisory Committee, panel member of the Medical Services Advisory Committee, past President of the Breast Surgical Society of ANZ, and past Advisory Council member of Cancer Australia. She was the Inaugural Chair of the state Health Service Provider, PathWest Laboratory Medicine.