What it Means to Have Dense Breast Tissue

Breast density ranges from little-to-no dense tissue to very dense tissue. But why does it matter which of the four density categories you fall under?

The Mayo Clinic explains breasts are composed of milk glands, milk ducts and supportive tissue and fatty tissue. However, the denser the breast, the more difficult it is to view on a mammogram. According to the National Cancer Institute, half of all women aged 40 and older have dense breasts. This breaks down to:

• 40% with heterogeneously dense breast tissue, comprised scattered areas of glandular tissue and fibrous connective tissue
• 10% with extremely dense breast tissue

Why Does Breast Density Matter?

Women with dense breasts have a higher risk of breast cancer than women with fatty breasts. Since dense breast tissue can make it harder to read mammograms, a common screening for breast cancer, abnormalities or cancer cells are more difficult to spot.

Density is not Destiny

Fortunately, if you have dense breasts, there are many things you can do to minimize your risk of developing breast cancer. You can also improve your chances of discovering the disease early-- when it is most treatable. Your doctor can help you assess your risk and decide on the best prevention and early detection strategy.

You might need to schedule an ultrasound (also called a sonogram) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in addition to your annual mammogram. Depending on any other risk factors you have, your doctor may also recommend healthy lifestyle changes, additional tests or preventive medications.

Many women first find out they have dense breasts after receiving a routine mammogram. Though you might have had dense breasts all along, recent links between dense breasts and increased cancer risk have prompted providers to start informing women if they have dense breasts.

While suddenly learning you have dense breasts can be unnerving, there is no need to panic. Be proactive, learn all you can about the relationship between dense breasts and cancer and speak with your doctor and take steps to minimize your cancer risk.

Your doctor can assess your risk and help you decide the next steps to take.

Back