Told You Have Dense Breast Tissue? Here’s What It Means

At your last mammogram, were you told you had dense breast tissue? If so, you may wonder what that means for your cancer risk and for your regular breast cancer screening. But what does dense breast tissue mean? We’ve had this question many times before, and we believe it’s important for you to get the information you need to monitor your breast health.

If you have dense breasts, you’re not alone. About 40 % of women have dense breasts, with 10% having breasts that are extremely dense, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

At Associates in Women’s Healthcare, we offer 3D screening mammograms , which are a crucial diagnostic tool for women with dense breasts. Through this technology, we offer both state-of-the-art care and convenience; you can schedule your yearly exam and mammogram for the same day! We invite you to learn more by scheduling an appointment.

When Should You Worry About Dense Breasts?

It’s really not a matter of worrying, it’s about educating yourself about your cancer risk. As we mentioned, dense breasts mean it may be harder for doctors to find abnormalities on your mammogram. It also places you at higher risk for breast cancer.

If you have dense breasts, speak with your doctor. Depending upon your family history, you may need to be screened more often than once a year. Knowing your risk and being an active partner in your care is crucial to detecting breast cancer early when it is most treatable and beatable.

At Associates in Women’s Healthcare, we’ll work with your schedule, making sure you’re able to get your required mammograms at a time that is convenient for you. Your health is so important, that we want to make it as easy as possible for you to access the screening technology you need.

3D vs. 2D Mammography

We also offer sophisticated 3D mammography. This is a vital screening tool if you have dense breasts. A 2D mammogram does not have the resolution to help a radiologist determine between certain types of breast tissue and tumors.

We go into greater detail about why this is so important in our previous article, “What’s the Difference Between a 2D and 3D Mammogram?”

Can You Change Your Breast Density?

Typically, no. While breast density can be caused by many factors, family history and menopause play a large role.

What Causes Dense Breast Tissue?

Family history plays a large part; breast density can often be inherited. Of course, there’s much more to the picture than mere genetics. Other things can influence whether or not you have dense breasts. This includes having menopausal hormone therapy and a low body mass index.

Older women and women who have had children also tend to have dense breasts.

Are There Symptoms of Dense Breast Tissue?

Typically, there are no symptoms of dense breast tissue—it’s typically discovered during a mammogram.

When you work with us at Associates in Women’s Healthcare, we keep a close watch on your breast health. We provide referrals when needed and give timely results from your mammogram.

If You’re Told You Have Dense Breast Tissue, Our 3D Mammography Is the Best Screening Tool

Many women have dense breast tissue. Not only does it put you at higher risk for breast cancer, but it also makes it more difficult for doctors to see problem areas that warrant further examination. 3D mammography—like that offered at Associates in Women’s Healthcare–can go a long way toward helping you catch breast cancer at its earliest stage.

Are you overdue for your mammogram? Don’t put it off! See why our mammography services are the perfect combination of state-of-the-art care and convenience. Schedule an appointment today.

The information in this article and the other articles on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your healthcare provider.