Imaging of Dense Breasts
I was told I have dense breasts. What does that mean?
Breast tissue can be either dense or not dense. Dense tissue makes it harder to find breast cancer on a mammogram and also raises the risk of developing breast cancer.
The only way to know if you have dense breasts is to have a mammogram.
Beginning in September 2024, all women in the US will receive information about their breast density when they get their mammogram results.
Which breast cancer screening tests are recommended for women with dense breasts?
Average risk women with dense breasts should start having yearly screening mammograms at age 40. 3D mammograms (or digital breast tomosynthesis) may help find more cancers and reduce false alarms.
Additional screening may be recommended for women with dense breasts. Options include:
- MRI of the breasts
- Ultrasound of the breasts
- Contrast mammography
All average risk women should have yearly screening mammograms at age 40. Women with dense breasts, and women at increased risk for developing breast cancer, may benefit from additional testing. Talk to your doctor to determine what’s right for you.
