Scientific workshop and free public-education event on Kaua‘i in June aim to reduce breast cancer impacts across varied populations

New federal requirement that women be informed about density of breast tissue is among expected discussion topics for cancer risk assessment experts

May 14, 2025

When experts in the field of breast density and cancer risk assessment gather June 4-6 in Līhuʻe, Hawaiʻi, for the 11th International Breast Density and Cancer Risk Assessment Workshop, not only will they will discuss the latest scientific advancements, but they will also offer a free educational event where the public will be invited to learn about advances in breast cancer risk modeling and treatment.

The 11th International Breast Density and Cancer Risk Assessment Workshop, organized and co-chaired by University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center researcher John Shepherd, PhD, and hosted by the UH Cancer Center, will take place June 4-6, at the Sonesta Kauaʻi Resort in Līhuʻe, Hawaiʻi.

Since its inception in 2002, this biennial workshop has served as a premier global gathering for experts in the field of breast density and cancer risk assessment.

The timing of the workshop is especially significant following the FDA’s recent update to the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA), which now requires mammography facilities to inform women about the density of their breasts — a key factor linked to breast cancer risk. “Other than age, breast density is the strongest common risk factor for who will develop breast cancer,” said Shepherd, who is Chief Scientific Officer at the UH Cancer Center.

The conference will feature internationally recognized experts presenting on a range of topics, including screening methods, next-generation imaging technologies, and clinical considerations for breast density. In addition to invited talks, the workshop will showcase oral and poster presentations selected from submitted abstracts across categories such as Clinical Considerations, Accessible Technologies, Notification and Awareness for Breast Density, and Risk Assessment.

"The Breast Density and Cancer Risk Assessment Workshop has been instrumental in shaping how we understand breast cancer risk across diverse populations," said Karla Kerlikowske, MD, Professor of Medicine, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics at the University of California, San Francisco. "By bringing together researchers, clinicians, and advocates, we are advancing the science and ensuring it translates into meaningful improvements in patient care."

For 2025, the workshop will feature expanded programming focused on health disparities and environmental influences, with a highlight on the presentation by Mary Beth Terry, a professor of epidemiology and environmental health at Columbia University, and executive director of Silent Spring Institute, titled, "Why breast density can help us understand the role of environmental chemicals and breast cancer risk." This topic is especially relevant to Hawaiʻi's unique environmental context and diverse populations.

In addition, the public is invited to attend a special session, titled, “New Frontiers," on Friday, June 6, starting at 5 p.m. This free two-hour program will feature a guided viewing of research posters, heavy pūpū, and inspiring talks from workshop speakers and cancer thrivers, focusing on advances in breast cancer risk modeling and treatment.

To learn more or register for the workshop or public event, visit breastdensityworkshop.org.