Australian comedian Judith Lucy has revealed she has breast cancer after receiving an unexpected message about a mammogram showing abnormal results.

The 58-year-old said she was notified by BreastScreen Australia that her mammogram result was 'a bit weird'. Further testing ultimately led to a breast cancer diagnosis that Lucy described as relatively early and relatively non-aggressive.

She was initially scheduled to undergo a lumpectomy, but after her doctor found more cancer, she decided to have both breasts removed.

Lucy has since urged women to keep up with their mammograms, highlighting how breast cancer can be detected through screening even when there may be no obvious symptoms.

But an abnormal mammogram does not necessarily mean cancer. In fact, most people who are called back after a screening mammogram do not ultimately receive a breast cancer diagnosis.

What Does An Abnormal Mammogram Mean?

A mammogram uses low-dose X-rays to look for changes in breast tissue that could indicate cancer. Radiologists examine the images for masses, calcifications, asymmetries and other changes, often comparing them with previous mammograms to determine whether something is new.

An abnormal result can therefore mean many different things. A radiologist may simply need clearer images or additional information before determining whether a finding is concerning.

According to the American Cancer Society, around one in 10 screening mammograms is initially classified as abnormal and requires additional testing. Most women recalled for additional testing after an abnormal screening mammogram do not have breast cancer.

That follow-up can include another mammogram using additional views, an ultrasound, MRI or, when necessary, a biopsy.

What Can Make a Mammogram Look 'Weird'?

One common finding is calcification, tiny deposits of calcium that appear as bright spots on a mammogram. Most calcifications are benign, but certain patterns, particularly clusters of small calcifications with irregular shapes, can warrant further investigation because they may be associated with early breast cancer.

Another possibility is an asymmetry, meaning an area of breast tissue looks different from the corresponding tissue in the other breast. Most asymmetries are not cancer, but a new or developing asymmetry may prompt additional imaging.

A mammogram can also reveal masses. Some are caused by benign conditions such as cysts or fibroadenomas, while others may require further testing to determine whether cancer is present. Ultrasound can help distinguish fluid-filled cysts from solid masses, although imaging alone cannot always establish a diagnosis.

Breast density can also affect how mammograms are interpreted. Dense breasts contain more fibrous and glandular tissue relative to fatty tissue, which can make some cancers harder to see and is itself associated with a slightly higher risk of breast cancer.

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What Happens After an Abnormal Result?

Radiologists use a standard system called the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System, or BI-RADS, to classify mammogram findings.

A BI-RADS 0 result means more imaging or comparison with previous scans is needed. BI-RADS 2 indicates a benign finding, while BI-RADS 3 generally means the finding is probably benign and requires short-term follow-up.

Higher categories indicate increasing concern. BI-RADS 4 indicates a suspicious abnormality for which a biopsy is generally recommended. BI-RADS 5 describes a finding that is highly suggestive of cancer, while BI-RADS 6 is reserved for an abnormality that has already been confirmed as cancer through biopsy.

A biopsy is important because imaging can identify an area that looks suspicious, but it cannot always determine exactly what is happening at the cellular level. During a biopsy, a sample of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to establish whether cancer is present.

Why Screening Can Find Breast Cancer Before Symptoms Appear

One of the central purposes of mammography is to detect breast cancer before it becomes noticeable.

Breast cancer can sometimes be identified on a mammogram when a tumour is still too small to feel as a lump. Earlier detection can make treatment more successful, although mammography is not perfect and can produce both false-positive and false-negative results.

A false-positive result occurs when an abnormal-looking area ultimately turns out not to be cancer. A false-negative result occurs when cancer is present but is not detected on the mammogram. Dense breast tissue, for example, can make some cancers more difficult to see.

That is why an abnormal mammogram should not be interpreted as a diagnosis on its own. It is a signal that the breast needs closer examination.

For Lucy, that additional investigation ultimately identified cancer. For many other women, however, a recall leads to the reassurance that a suspicious-looking change was benign

Her experience underscores why screening and appropriate follow-up matter. An abnormal mammogram can be frightening, but it does not necessarily mean cancer; further testing is needed to determine what the finding means.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What does an abnormal mammogram mean?
    An abnormal mammogram means there are changes in breast tissue that require further investigation, but it does not necessarily indicate cancer.
  • What are common findings in an abnormal mammogram?
    Common findings include calcifications, asymmetries, and masses, which may require additional imaging or a biopsy.
  • What is the BI-RADS system?
    The BI-RADS system is a standardised classification for mammogram findings, ranging from 0 (incomplete) to 6 (known biopsy-proven malignancy).
  • Why is breast density important in mammograms?
    Dense breast tissue can make it harder to detect cancer on a mammogram and is associated with a slightly higher risk of breast cancer.
  • What should I do after receiving an abnormal mammogram result?
    Consult with your healthcare provider for further tests and follow their recommendations for additional imaging or biopsy if necessary.
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