Dense Breast Tissue and the Greater Need for Breast Cancer Screening

Breast cancer is a disease that continues to rise among women. In recent studies, it has been found that women with dense breast tissue are at a greater risk of developing this dreaded disease. Because dense breasts lack much of the fatty tissue of normal breast tissue, it is more difficult for tumors to show on a typical mammogram. Fatty tissue shows up as white on a mammogram and this allows the tumors to show up more clearly.

Among women, normally around 46% have dense breast tissue. Dense tissue increases the risk of breast cancer up to six times. In women with this type of breast tissue there is a greater need for further imaging studies to rule out cancer. Studies such as MRI screenings and ultrasound studies, can help to find tumors and growths more effectively than mammograms alone.

• Prevention is the key to controlling breast cancer in women. It has been proven that these steps can help to lessen the risk of breast cancer:

• Exercise regularly
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Limit alcohol intake
• Stop smoking or never start

Doctors recommend that women who have dense breast tissue follow a strict protocol of screenings each year. They should self-examine their breasts monthly to report any changes or growths in the breast tissue. A doctor should conduct a yearly breast exam as well. Finally, women with dense breast tissue should have a yearly digital mammogram along with a MRI and ultrasound. With all of these forms of screening, cancers can be found much earlier and can be better treated.

The only way to be sure if a woman has dense breast tissue is through a mammogram. A doctor cannot tell through a physical exam what type of tissue lies beneath. While these extra screenings of ultrasound tests and MRI screenings are much more effective at finding cancers, they also have a high level of false positives.

Most insurance companies do not cover extra screenings for women who have dense breast tissue. These tests can cost as much as $300 out-of-pocket. For those who do have dense breast tissue, these tests can be a lifesaver.

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