Written by: Lukas Harnisch-Weidauer
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Just like genetic and lifestyle factors, the composition of breasts can affect a person’s risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime. Although it’s not yet known why, people with dense breasts have a higher risk for breast cancer.
Breast density is a measure of how much glandular and fibrous tissue there is in the breast versus fat. The more fibroglandular tissue, the denser the breast. This is common: nearly half of people over 40 years old that receive mammograms are reported to have dense breast tissue.
Breast density can only be measured with a mammogram; the firmness of a person’s breasts is not an indicator. If you have had a recent mammogram, you may have learned about your breast density. This is because starting in September 2024, all mammogram reports in the United States are required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to include information about breast density.
A mammography report will categorize breast density as one of the following:
- “The breasts are almost entirely fatty.” (Meaning they are mostly fat tissue and have little to no fibroglandular tissue.)
- “There are scattered areas of fibroglandular density.”
- “The breasts are heterogeneously dense, which may obscure small masses.”
- “The breasts are extremely dense, which lowers the sensitivity of mammography.”
The measure’s purpose is to raise awareness and help cancer detection efforts. If your doctor finds you have dense breast tissue, it is important to discuss additional screening options for breast cancer.
Dense breasts make it harder for physicians to interpret mammograms because glandular and fibrous tissue as well as tumors appear white. Meanwhile, fatty tissue is dark, making growths easier to spot. The denser the breast, the more difficult it will be to spot a tumor.
People with dense breasts should work with their radiologist and care team to develop a personalized strategy for breast cancer screening. This can include:
- Monthly breast self-exams
- An annual breast exam by a doctor
- An annual digital mammogram (more sensitive than film mammograms)
Regular breast MRIs and/or breast ultrasounds
About the Medical Reviewer
Dr. Tesch is a medical oncologist specialized in breast cancer at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. She completed her medical oncology training at BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, where she served as Chief Resident in her final year, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Her research focuses on investigating unique clinical and biological aspects that contribute to disparities in outcomes for young adults with breast cancer.
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- Source: https://blog.dana-farber.org/insight/2024/12/does-breast-density-affect-cancer-risk/