Centre for Research Excellence: Precision Public Health Approaches to Breast Cancer Screening, Early Detection and Mortality Reduction

Project Details

The CRE, also known as MyBreast cancerRISK (MyBRISK), is combining a holistic and precision public health approach to breast cancer control. It is using artificial intelligence applied to digital mammograms, genomics, and personal and family data to stratify women across vastly different levels of breast cancer risk. Its aim is to enable more effective breast cancer screening by tailoring it to a woman’s risk level.

This is being achieved by:

• Developing, applying, and teaching advanced analytics. This includes applying AI to Big Datasets that comprise integrated state-of-the-art epidemiological and genetic studies using digital mammograms, family history and genomic testing
• Co-designing novel personalised screening pathways that translate our new models into improved breast cancer screening. This includes working with radiologists (BreastScreen and private), general practitioners, clinicians and women using qualitative interviews, focus groups and stakeholder engagement, as well as studying the health economic consequences of these models
• Continuing to inform pathobiology research on mammogram-based causes of breast cancer
• Creating widely accessible educational material to support implementation
• Using technological applications to provide an interface between women and clinicians by creating a simple automated decision support tool (BRISK) for women and health professionals
• Building a new generation of up-skilled early and mid-career researchers and clinical leaders with opportunities for training, mentorship, career development and international exchange

Researchers

Professor Melissa Southey (Unit Head and Chief Investigator)

The Late Professor John Hopper (Founding Member)

Dr Sue Malta (CRE Manager and Senior Researcher)

Our team of researchers and professional staff is listed here

Collaborators

MyBRISK CRE is a collaboration between the University of Melbourne and partner organisations. These include other research institutes and universities, general practice, government, radiologists, pathobiologists, community representative organisations, consumers and commercial businesses. Find our collaborators listed here

Explore joint projects

The MyBRISK team offers opportunities to develop collaborative projects and explore future grant applications as well as opportunities for graduate researchers. To discuss further, contact Dr Sue Malta at susan.malta@unimelb.edu.au

Funding

Funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council through a five-year grant (2022-2027).

Research Publications