Breast density describes how much fibrous and glandular tissue there is in the breast compared to the amount of fat tissue. Dense breast tissue—less fat tissue and more fibrous and glandular tissue—can make it harder to see cancer on a mammogram. Dense breast tissue may also be linked to a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
“Dense breast tissue is detected on a mammogram. People with dense breasts sometimes need additional imaging tests.”, said Dr. Raquel Gonzalez Heredia, Breast Surgeon, “Knowing you have dense breasts can help you and your healthcare provider make proactive decisions about the most appropriate breast cancer screening for you.”-Dr. Raquel Gonzalez Heredia, Breast Surgeon
How Do I Know if I Have Dense Breasts?
Breast density isn’t related to breast size or firmness and cannot be determined by external look or feel. When you are screened with a mammogram, your radiologist will determine your breast density, which is described by four categories:
• Category A breasts are almost all fatty tissue.
• Category B breasts have scattered areas of dense tissue.
• Category C breasts are made of more dense tissue and are described as heterogeneously dense.
• Category D breasts are extremely dense.
How Does Breast Density Affect Cancer Screening?
As we discussed, fibrous and glandular breast tissue are components of dense breast tissue. These types of tissue appear white on a mammogram. Because breast masses can also look white on a mammogram, it can be difficult to see them in an image of a dense breast. However,
mammograms still detect most cancers in women with dense breasts, and those women should still be regularly screened with a mammogram. For some women, additional screening may also be recommended.
If I Have Dense Breasts, What Should I Know About My Cancer Risk & How Does That Impact Screening?
Researchers have linked dense breast tissue to a higher risk level of developing breast cancer, but it is unclear why this link exists. If you have dense breasts, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your personal risk of getting breast cancer. They will look at any other potential risk factors you may have, including:
• Age
• Height and weight
• Any past breast biopsies
• Personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• Hormone use
• Ashkenazi Jewish heritage
• Age of your first menstrual period
• Age when you first gave birth
• Age at menopause
• Age of any other cancer diagnosis
These factors are part of a formal risk assessment process that can tell your physician whether you are at an average, intermediate, or high risk of developing breast cancer. High risk for breast cancer is defined as a lifetime risk greater than 20 percent. Often high-risk women are eligible to have additional screening using breast MRI. Knowing your risk level can help you and your physician decide on the most appropriate and beneficial screening for you. It can also be a factor in determining coverage for this additional screening from insurance companies and some government payors. Your physician and the imaging center should be able to present your risk factors to your insurer and identify whether an MRI would be covered prior to conducting the test.
Ask Your Physician About Screening Recommendations
If you have questions about breast cancer screening, your mammogram report, or any risk factors you may have, please consult your physician. You may choose to talk to your primary care physician, Ob-Gyn, or in cases of high-risk patients, a Breast Specialist or Breast Surgeon. They can help you determine the most appropriate screening guidelines for you.
For information about breast cancer treatment options in Northwest Indiana, please Breast Cancer Treatment at Northwest Cancer Centers or call 219-924-8178 to schedule an appointment.
For information on clinical trial options for patients with Breast Cancer available in Dyer and Crown Point, IN, please visit Clinical Trials for Cancer in Indiana - Northwest Cancer Centers
