Dense Breasts and Your Health

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Because dense breasts can be a risk factor for breast cancer and make breast disease more difficult to see, women with dense breast may require imaging tests beyond a mammogram to better detect tumors. Federal law now requires mammography facilities to inform women of their breast density.

In Pennsylvania, the breast density notification started in February 2014. Since that date, Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health has informed patients and their doctors of a woman’s breast density in the official mammogram report and in the letter sent to directly to the patient after a mammogram. But what does it all mean for your health?

What Does it Mean to Have Dense Breasts?

Breast density is determined by the kind of tissue in your breasts: fibrous, glandular, or fatty. If your breasts are categorized as dense, they have less fatty tissue and a greater amount of fibrous and glandular tissue as seen on a mammogram.

When you get a mammogram, the radiologist classifies your breast density somewhere between fatty and extremely dense. The American College of Radiology says 10 percent of American women have almost entirely fatty breasts; 10 percent have extremely dense breasts; and 80 percent are in one of two middle categories.

Breast density typically increases until you enter your 40s when it may decrease. After menopause, generally there is more fatty replacement of breast tissue unless you’re on hormone replacement therapy.

Why It’s Important to Know Your Breast Density

There are two reasons women need to be aware of their breast density:

  • Having dense breasts increases your risk of breast cancer four- to six-fold compared to women with low breast density.
  • It’s more difficult for health-care providers to distinguish between dense breast tissue and cancerous or noncancerous growths on mammograms.

Talk to Your Doctor

If you have dense breasts, talk to you doctor about whether additional screening tests may be appropriate for you. Although density increases breast cancer risk, there are no consistent recommendations for women with dense breasts to have additional routine screenings.

Continue to Get Your Mammograms--the only imaging test proven to reduce breast cancer deaths. Even if you have dense breasts, a mammogram can still reveal many cancers. Schedule a mammogram today.

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Nitin K. Tanna, MD

Nitin K. Tanna, MD, is a radiologist at Lancaster Radiology Associates and serves as chief of mammography and breast imaging services at Lancaster General Health. A graduate of the University of Rochester and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Dr. Tanna is a frequent community speaker on breast imaging and mammography, and has authored several articles on breast screening.

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The LG Health Hub features breaking medical news and straightforward advice to help individuals of all ages make healthy choices and reach their wellness goals. The blog puts articles by trusted Lancaster General Health clinical experts, good 'n healthy recipes, videos, patient stories, and health risk assessments at your fingertips.

 

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