Breast Density: Why It Matters

Breast density is a measure of how much of the breast is made up of dense tissue, as opposed to fatty tissue. Dense breast tissue appears white on a mammogram, while fatty tissue appears dark. The more dense the breast tissue, the harder it can be to detect breast cancer on a mammogram.

Why is breast density important?

Breast density is an important risk factor for breast cancer. Women with dense breasts have a four to six times higher risk of developing breast cancer than women with fatty breasts. This is because dense breast tissue contains more cells that can become cancerous.

How is breast density determined?

Breast density is determined by a mammogram. The radiologist who reads the mammogram will assign a breast density category:

* Almost entirely fat: Less than 25% of the breast is composed of dense tissue.

* Scattered fibroglandular densities: 25% to 50% of the breast is composed of dense tissue.

* Heterogeneously dense: 50% to 75% of the breast is composed of dense tissue.

* Extremely dense: More than 75% of the breast is composed of dense tissue.

What if I have dense breasts?

If you have dense breasts, you should talk to your doctor about your risk of breast cancer and about whether you need any additional screening tests. Additional screening tests that may be recommended include:

* Breast ultrasound: An ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the breast. Ultrasound can be used to detect breast cancer in dense breasts that may not be visible on a mammogram.

* Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the breast. MRI can be used to detect breast cancer in dense breasts that may not be visible on a mammogram or ultrasound.

Early detection is key

Breast cancer is highly treatable when it is found early. If you have dense breasts, talk to your doctor about your risk of breast cancer and about the best way to screen for it.

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