FRHS.ORG 11 Learn the facts about dense breasts You just got the results of your latest mammogram, and you don’t have cancer. That’s great news! However, the report says you have dense breasts. What does that mean? Here are some answers to common questions about dense breasts. Q What are potential risks with dense breasts? A: The reason for this remains unknown, but the denser your breasts, the greater your risk for breast cancer. Unfortunately, dense breasts can make it more difficult for radiologists to see cancer on a mammogram. That’s because both dense tissue and breast masses and tumors appear as white areas on a mammogram. Q How do dense breasts affect screening recommendations? A: If you have dense breasts, ask your breast care provider whether you should have other screening tests for breast cancer, such as an ultrasound or breast MRI, in addition to mammograms. Sources: American Cancer Society; Office on Women’s Health; RadiologyInfo.org Q What are dense breasts? A: Lobules, ducts, and fatty and fibrous connective tissue make up your breasts. The lobules (or glandular tissue) produce milk, and ducts are the tiny tubes that carry milk from the lobules to the nipples. The fatty and fibrous tissues give breasts their size and shape. If you have dense breasts, you have a lot of glandular or fibrous tissue and not much fatty tissue. Approximately half of women over 40 years old have dense breasts. Generally, your breasts become less dense as you get older. However, that’s not always the case. The only way to know if you have dense breasts is to get a mammogram. Dense breasts don’t feel different from breasts with more fatty tissue. There are four categories for dense breasts, from slightly dense to very dense. The radiologist who reads your mammogram decides which of those four categories best describes the density of your breasts. Your well-being matters. Regular breast care is an essential part of that journey.” —Kinzie Norris, MD, Faith Regional Physician Services Breast Care, specializing in surgically treating diseases of the breast and providing the latest in breast care treatment. To learn more about the risks of dense breasts and what other screening tests you may need, call 402-844-8167.
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