Breast arterial calcification informed, enhanced cardiovascular risk assessment and management

Mr Sheran Vasanthakumar, Monash University

Postgraduate Scholarship

Years funded: 2026 - 2027

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death in Australian women, yet early detection remains poor. Many women are unaware of their risk, and current screening tools often miss early signs, especially in younger women. Breast arterial calcification (BAC) is a novel marker that can be seen on routine screening mammograms for breast cancer, however due to its unclear significant it is not routinely reported. Research over the past decades demonstrates that BAC is associated with a risk of heart disease. Given that over 1.8 million women already undergo mammograms each year, this represents a potential avenue for CVD risk screening.

This project investigates whether BAC, detected on a routine mammogram can be used to detect early risk of heart disease. Using an artificial intelligence (AI) based program, we can evaluate BAC and give an individual an age-adjusted BAC score. We aim to recruit participants who have BAC identified on their mammogram and evaluate whether an intensive cardiovascular risk management program will benefit them over standard care.

The research will occur in two phases:

1. Co-Design phase – We will work with women and healthcare providers to test whether BAC based screening is acceptable, feasible and can uncover undiagnosed risk factors. 2. Clinical Trial phase – Women with BAC will be randomly assigned to standard care or a nurse-led cardiovascular risk assessment and management program. Those in the intervention group will see their BAC images and received tailored CVD advice as well as digital prompts for ongoing care.

If successful, this study could transform mammograms into a dual-purpose screening tool for both breast cancer and heart disease. By detecting risk earlier, using an existing and accessible imaging test, we aim to improve prevention and empower women to engage with their heart health.