Women with dense breasts have an increased risk of breast cancer [47,48]. Breast density refers to the proportions of fat and tissue in the breasts as seen on a mammogram. High breast density means there is a greater amount of tissue compared to fat. Low breast density means there is a greater amount of fat compared to tissue. Women with very dense breasts, as seen on a mammogram, are four to five times more likely to get breast cancer than women with low breast density [47,48].
At this time, health care providers do not routinely use a woman's breast density to assess her breast cancer risk. This is mainly due to the lack of a standard measure of breast density. While a measure of breast density may be recorded, this measure is not used to assess risk. However, by looking at your mammogram or the measure of breast density, your provider may conclude that you have dense breasts and may suggest other types of breast screening.
Screening for women with dense breasts
For women with high breast density, digital mammography may offer screening benefits over standard mammography [49]. Tumors in women with dense breasts can be easier to find with digital mammography. Ultrasound and MRI are being studied to find out if, when combined with mammography, they improve detection compared to mammography alone among women with dense breasts.
Find out more on emerging areas in screening and early detection.
Find out more on screening for women at higher risk of breast cancer.
Updated 11/09/09
