Can Dense Breasts Increase Breast Cancer Risk?

Did you know that you should consider the density of your breasts? It can affect your breast cancer risk factor and determine what type of mammogram you should get. 

Breast density isn’t something you can control and it often changes over time. It is unrelated to how your breasts feel or seem. It has to do with how they look on a mammogram.  

If you have dense breasts, you will be told by the doctor or technician during your mammogram. The law in many parts of the U.S. requires radiologists to inform you if you fall into that category. Having dense breasts is a normal and very common condition. However, you may not know exactly what it means or what to do. Here are answers to some general questions about dense breasts you may have. 

What are dense breasts? 

Breast tissue comprises glandular, connective, and fatty components. The density of breast tissue on a mammogram analyzes how much of each type of tissue is present. Compared to fatty breast tissue, dense breasts possess relatively high amounts of glandular tissue and fibrous connective tissue.  

How do I know if my breasts are dense? 

If a woman has dense breasts, only mammography can reveal this. Both a clinical breast exam and a breast self-exam cannot detect dense breast tissue. Because of this, dense breasts are also known as mammographically dense breasts. 

What factors contribute to dense breasts? 

Age and genes are the primary factors. Breast tissue tends to be denser in younger women who have higher estrogen levels in their bodies. Additionally, you are more likely to have dense breast tissue if your mother did. Body weight or build has no influence on having dense breasts. There is a decrease in breast density after menopause as estrogen levels decrease. 

Read More: Metastatic Breast Cancer Treatment Options 

Are dense breasts associated with a higher risk of breast cancer? 

It is true that women with dense breasts are more likely to get breast cancer than those with fatty breasts, and that risk rises as breast density increases. Research has shown that dense breasts: 

• Are twice as likely to develop cancer as breasts that are not dense 
• Make it difficult for mammograms to detect breast cancer  

The odds of developing cancer in the opposite breast are nearly twice as high for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and have dense breasts. 

Read More: 8 Standard Tests And Procedures In Breast Cancer Diagnosis 

How common are dense breasts?  

In the United States, it's estimated that 43% of women between the ages of 40 and 74 have dense breasts. 

Can I change the density of my breasts? 

Although you can't change your breast density, knowledge is power. Being aware of your breast density classification can help you and your doctor make informed choices about your care. Your lifestyle and nutritional changes help to reduce breast density up to a certain level. Consult with the professionals for the right course of action.  

Advanced Cancer Treatment Centers is one of the leading cancer treatment centers in Florida. We have some of the best oncologists in Florida working with us on our team. To schedule a consultation, call 352-345-4565.