Dense breasts raise breast cancer risk, but many women aren’t aware of that
— here’s what to know
The only way to tell if you have dense breasts is via a mammogram, and not
all states require providers to notify women of their breast density.Most
women are aware that a family history of breast cancer increases their risk
of the disease, but far fewer understand that extremely dense breasts can
pose a greater risk.A survey found that of nearly 1,900 women who
participated, the majority saw breast density as a less consequential risk
factor than family history.But women with extremely dense breasts, which are characterized by minimal
fatty tissue, face a risk of breast cancer four times higher than women
with the lowest breast densities, according to the study. About 10% of
women who get mammograms have this level of breast density. By comparison,
having a mother, sister or daughter who’s had breast cancer is associated
with double the risk of the disease.
— here’s what to know
The only way to tell if you have dense breasts is via a mammogram, and not
all states require providers to notify women of their breast density.Most
women are aware that a family history of breast cancer increases their risk
of the disease, but far fewer understand that extremely dense breasts can
pose a greater risk.A survey found that of nearly 1,900 women who
participated, the majority saw breast density as a less consequential risk
factor than family history.But women with extremely dense breasts, which are characterized by minimal
fatty tissue, face a risk of breast cancer four times higher than women
with the lowest breast densities, according to the study. About 10% of
women who get mammograms have this level of breast density. By comparison,
having a mother, sister or daughter who’s had breast cancer is associated
with double the risk of the disease.
Women who have a substantial amount of dense breast tissue but not to an
extreme degree — about 40% of those who get mammograms — have a 20% higher
risk of breast cancer relative to those with average breast density,
according to the study.
