Did you know that the American College of Radiology and American Cancer Society guidelines for breast cancer screening are for women age 40 and older to have a yearly mammogram?
In addition to hearing about the importance of regular screening mammograms, you may also have heard the term ‘dense breasts’ — but what does that mean, and why is it important?
Breasts are made up of a combination of fibrous, glandular and fatty tissue. Breast density relates to the amount of fibrous and glandular material compared with the amount of fatty tissue. Breast density is not related to breast size. Breast density is determined by a mammogram, which is an X-ray picture of the breast. Those who have a higher percentage of fibrous and glandular tissue and lower percentage of fatty tissue have dense breasts.
Having dense breasts is one of the risk factors for developing breast cancer. Dense breasts can sometimes make it more difficult to see a tumor on a mammogram. So, for some people with dense breasts, in addition to a mammogram, other imaging tests may be recommended to help screen for cancer.
Additional tests that may be recommend for someone who has dense breasts, or other risk factors, include breast ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests are also available at Winona Health and can provide a clearer picture to help detect cancer that might be harder to spot with a mammogram alone.
If, after your mammogram, you learn that you have dense breasts, talk with your primary care provider about your personal risk factors for breast cancer, which include family history of breast cancer, your lifestyle and overall health. All of these should be considered when considering when, and how, to be screened for breast cancer (and other important health screenings). This is one of the reasons it is important for you to have a primary care provider.
If you are looking for a primary care provider, call Winona Health at 507.457.7648 or learn about our providers at winonahealth.org/primarycare.
If it is time for your yearly mammogram or you are not sure, do not wait—early detection can make all the difference. Call 507.457.4320 to schedule your appointment.
George Ripeckyj, MD, Radiologist, Winona Health
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