Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection. While regular mammograms save lives, not all breast tissue is the same, and for women with dense breasts, additional screening may be essential. Modern Women’s Health is committed to helping every patient understand their risk factors and receive the most accurate, personalized care possible.
What Is Dense Breast Tissue?
Breast tissue comprises milk glands, ducts, supportive tissue, and fat. A woman with more glandular and connective tissue than fat is considered to have dense breast tissue. This is common; nearly half of women over 40 have dense breasts, and many don’t know it.
Dense breast tissue not only makes mammograms more difficult to interpret, but it is also linked to a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Why Dense Breasts Increase Breast Cancer Risk
Women with dense breast tissue are more likely to develop breast cancer than those with fatty breasts. This is partly because tumors can be masked on standard mammograms, delaying detection, and partly because dense tissue may biologically contribute to a higher risk.
That’s why knowing your breast density is as important as knowing your family history.
Screening Options for Women With Dense Breasts
If you’ve been told you have dense breast tissue, your provider may recommend advanced screening options in addition to traditional mammography:
- 3D Mammograms (Tomosynthesis): Capture layered images for greater accuracy.
- Breast Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to detect changes that mammograms may miss.
- Breast MRI: Recommended for women with extremely dense breast tissue and other high-risk patients. MRI offers very sensitive detection, though it can sometimes lead to false positives. For women with dense breast tissue, MRI is generally preferred over breast sonogram as a supplemental screening tool to mammogram.
Identifying High-Risk Women
Breast density is one important risk factor, but others include:
- A family history of breast cancer.
- Known genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2.
- A personal history of certain cancers or radiation exposure.
To clarify, Modern Women’s Health offers the MyRisk® Hereditary Cancer Test, which evaluates genetic markers and provides a personalized risk estimate. This test helps our providers create a tailored screening plan to detect cancer as early as possible.
The Importance of Annual Well-Woman Exams
Your annual exam isn’t just a check-up; it’s a critical opportunity to evaluate your overall health and plan proactive screenings. During this visit, your Modern Women’s Health provider can:
- Discuss your breast density and cancer risk factors.
- Provide mammogram and lab orders.
- Review whether genetic testing is right for you.
- Build a personalized plan to keep you healthy and informed.
Take Charge of Your Breast Health
Knowledge is power when it comes to breast cancer prevention. If you have dense breast tissue, a family history of cancer, or simply want peace of mind, Modern Women’s Health is here to guide you.
Schedule your annual well-woman exam today and talk to your provider about breast density, genetic testing, and the best screening strategy. Together, we can take the steps for early detection and long-term health.
