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A recent Food and Drug Administration rule, effective September 10, 2024, has changed how mammogram results are shared across the United States. All mammogram reports now include information about breast density. This means that patients will be better informed about their breast health and can discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider.
Having dense breasts can make it harder to detect cancer on a mammogram and increases the risk of developing breast cancer. , breast cancer is the second-most common cancer for women in the United States.
Huntsman Cancer Institute experts recommend a yearly mammogram so we asked three of our specialists, Cindy Matsen, MD, breast surgical oncologist, Phoebe Freer, MD, chief of breast imaging, and Saundra Buys, MD, chief of oncology, to share their knowledge.
Our Experts
What is dense breast tissue?
Dense breast tissue is a term that describes the breast鈥檚 appearance during a mammogram. Breasts are made of two kinds of tissues: fat and active breast tissue. When patients have dense breasts, they have more active breast tissue.
Fatty tissue appears black or gray on a mammogram, while active tissue is white. Cancer also appears white. This can make finding cancer in dense breast tissue difficult.
If I have lumpy breasts, does that mean I have dense breast tissue?
Breasts are meant to be lumpy. Dense breast tissue cannot be detected by a physical exam.
How common are dense breasts?
There are four grades of breast density. Around 50% of women have some sort of breast density. However, within that 50%, there is a wide range of severity. Most women have a mixture of dense and fatty breast tissues.
How do I know if I have dense breast tissue?
Dense breast tissue can only be found through a mammogram. In the state of Utah, providers are required to notify you if you have dense breast tissue. Once notified, you can work with your radiologist to make a screening plan based on your history and risk of developing breast cancer.
Does breast density increase my cancer risk?
Yes, dense breast tissue can increase your cancer risk. Most people with dense breast tissue are 1.2 times more likely to develop breast cancer than average.
Is there a way to prevent or reduce dense breast tissue?
Yes, dense breast tissue can increase your cancer risk. Most people with dense breast tissue are 1.2 times more likely to develop breast cancer than average.
Are mammograms effective for people with dense breasts?
Mammograms remain the best test for early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer. People who get mammograms reduce their chance of death from breast cancer by 30%. 3D mammograms, offered at any 人妻中出视频 of Utah 人妻中出视频 screening site, including Huntsman Cancer Institute's Cancer Screening and Education Bus, are better than a standard 2D mammogram for people with dense breasts.
No matter what your tissue density is, if you feel a mass, talk with your doctor.