World Dense Breast Day

You may have heard the term “dense breasts” from your doctor, but what does it actually mean? Dense breast tissue is a common condition where breasts contain more fibrous and glandular tissue relative to fatty tissue. This is completely normal and affects about half of all women. Dense tissues can appear white on mammograms, similar to how tumors do. This can make detecting cancer more challenging through traditional mammography alone. 

Understanding your breast density is important because it affects both your cancer risk and the effectiveness of certain screening methods. Women with dense breast tissue have a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to those with mostly fatty tissue. Additionally, dense tissue can mask potential abnormalities on standard mammograms, making early detection more difficult.

For women with dense breast tissue, additional screening options may be recommended to improve cancer detection. The timing and frequency of additional screening depend on various factors, including your personal and family history, genetic factors, and overall risk assessment. Some women may benefit from alternating between different screening methods, while others might need multiple types of imaging during each screening cycle.These might include breast ultrasound or MRI, depending on your individual risk factors, family history, and personal health profile.

Early detection remains the most effective tool in successful cancer treatment. Combining appropriate screening methods with clinical expertise provides the best outcomes for women with dense breast tissue.

At NY Breast Health, we understand that every woman's breast health journey is unique. Our board-certified radiologists are leaders in the field of breast imaging, working closely with a multidisciplinary team of specialists to provide the highest quality and most personalized care possible. With multiple locations, our state-of-the-art treatment centers combine diagnostic imaging, cancer support services, and women's health, all under one roof. We offer the most comprehensive breast imaging services with advanced 3D mammography, breast ultrasound, and breast MRI equipment.