Dense Breast Tissue

Dense breast tissue is very common. Nearly half of women age 40 and older who undergo screening mammography have dense breast tissue.

Breast density is determined by the amount of fibrous and glandular tissue in your breasts compared with the amount of fatty tissue, as seen on a mammogram. Breast density is a mammographic finding determined by a radiologist.

Dense breast tissue can vary based on a woman’s age and weight. Breast density can be inherited, but it can also be caused by other factors, such as:

• Low body mass index. Women with less body fat are more likely to have dense breast tissue compared to women who are obese.
• Age. Breast tissue becomes less dense as you age, though some women may have dense breast tissue at any age.
• Treatments, like menopausal hormone therapy. Women who take hormone therapy to relieve signs and symptoms of menopause are more likely to have dense breasts.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding. Breast tissue is involved in milk production, which can make your breasts denser.

Women with dense breasts have 2x-6x higher risk of breast cancer compared to women without dense breast tissue, and breast cancer is more difficult to detect on a mammogram. The denser the breasts are, the higher the risk. Women with dense breast tissue may benefit from additional supplemental screening exams, such as:

• Screening breast ultrasound, which involves a machine that uses sound waves to make detailed pictures, called sonograms, of areas inside the breast.
• Abbreviated breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), an exam that lasts less than 10 minutes and is much more affordable than traditional breast MRI.

We are one of the only health systems in the region that provides specialized care for women with dense breast tissue. Our program helps women who have dense breast tissue understand their risk, what it means to have dense breast tissue and what their screening and follow-up care should look like. In addition to providing patient education, one of our breast care specialists may perform a clinical breast exam and provide orders for supplemental screening exams if needed.

If you think you have dense breast tissue and may benefit from a supplemental ultrasound screening, talk with your physician. Ask if your mammogram indicated you have dense tissue. We offer consultations with our dense breast tissue experts.