Many women are surprised to learn that they have dense breast tissue after receiving their mammogram results. In fact, dense breasts are common, affecting nearly half of women age 40 and older who undergo mammography.
While dense breast tissue is normal, it can make breast cancer more difficult to detect on a mammogram and may influence your overall screening plan.
Understanding what dense breasts mean can help you have informed conversations with your healthcare provider about your breast health.
What Are Dense Breasts?
Breasts are made up of fatty tissue and fibroglandular (dense) tissue. A woman is considered to have dense breasts when she has more fibroglandular tissue than fatty tissue.
Breast density cannot be determined by a physical examination or by how breasts look or feel. It can only be identified through a mammogram.
Breast density is categorized into four groups:
• Almost entirely fatty
• Scattered areas of fibroglandular density
• Heterogeneously dense
• Extremely dense
Women in the heterogeneously dense and extremely dense categories are considered to have dense breasts.
How Common Are Dense Breasts?
Dense breast tissue is very common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of women age 40 and older who have a mammogram have dense breasts.
Because breast density is so common, having dense breasts does not mean something is wrong. However, it is important information that can help guide breast cancer screening decisions.
Why Does Breast Density Matter?
Dense breast tissue can make it more difficult to detect cancer on a mammogram because both dense tissue and cancer appear white on the images.
In addition, women with dense breasts may have a higher risk of developing breast cancer compared with women who have less dense breast tissue.
Even if you have dense breasts, annual screening mammography remains a very important tool for the early detection of breast cancer.
Is Additional Screening Needed?
Some women with dense breasts may benefit from supplemental screening in addition to mammography.
Depending on your breast density and individual risk factors, your healthcare provider may recommend:
Complete Breast Ultrasound (CBUS)
CBUS may be recommended for women with dense breast tissue and additional risk factors, such as a family history of breast cancer. Ultrasound can help detect some cancers that may not be visible on mammography alone.
Abbreviated Breast MRI may be appropriate for women with dense breasts who are at low to moderate risk for breast cancer, particularly those with a personal or family history of breast cancer or certain genetic mutations.
For women considered high risk, such as those with BRCA mutations, a strong family history of breast cancer, or a history of chest radiation therapy, Breast MRI may be recommended as part of a comprehensive screening strategy.
Your healthcare provider can help determine whether supplemental screening is appropriate for you.
Why Choose FRC for Breast Imaging?
Fairfax Radiology Centers offers comprehensive breast imaging services, including advanced 3D mammography, Complete Breast Ultrasound (CBUS), Abbreviated Breast MRI, and Breast MRI.
Our breast imaging exams are interpreted by fellowship-trained breast imaging radiologists who specialize exclusively in breast imaging, helping ensure expert evaluation and personalized care.
With 14 dedicated breast imaging locations across Northern Virginia, FRC provides convenient access to advanced breast screening close to home.