Dense breast tissue carries up to four times the risk of developing breast cancer. However, a new study has shown that many women are unaware of the risks of breast density.
Dense breasts refer to breasts that are made up of more fibrous and glandular tissue than fatty tissue and can be detected during a mammogram.
The study, published in Open Jam Network on January 23, it surveyed 1,858 women ages 40 to 76 from 2019 to 2020 who had recently had mammograms, had no history of breast cancer, and had heard of breast density.
Assessed women’s understanding of breast density as a significant risk of breast cancer compared with other well-known risk factors, such as having a relative with breast cancer, being overweight or obese, drinking more than one alcoholic drink per day , never have children and have a previous breast biopsy.
Although breast density is associated with a 1.2 to four times increased risk of developing breast cancer, according to the study, few women perceived breast density as a strong personal risk factor. Instead, 93% of women saw family history as the greatest risk, followed by 65% of women who said being overweight or obese was a greater risk than breast density.
Of the 61 women surveyed, only six described breast density as a contributing factor to breast cancer risk. However, most women have correctly noted that breast density can make mammograms difficult to read.
When asked what they could do to reduce the risk of breast cancer, about a third of the women said they were not sure it was possible to reduce the risk of breast cancer or did not know what steps they could take.
However, there are many actions that people can take to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. A breast exam, also known as a mammogram, is an X-ray image of the breast used to screen for breast cancer in women. A mammogram can detect signs or symptoms of breast cancer that are otherwise invisible and may not be felt, or it can detect breast cancer after a lump or other signs of breast cancer have been detected.
He American Cancer Society recommends that women ages 45 to 54 get mammograms every year. Women ages 40 to 44 also have the option to start screening early, and those 55 and older can upgrade to a mammogram every two years if they choose.
Nearly half of all women age 40 and older who get mammograms have dense breasts, according to the National Cancer Institute. Breast density often runs in families, but it can also be found in women who are younger, are taking hormone replacement therapy, or have a lower body weight.
Although breast density can make it difficult to interpret a mammogram, a new type of mammogram called digital breast tomosynthesis, or 3D mammography – recently seemed to be more useful in women with dense breasts.
Other studies have shown that imaging tests, such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), can help find some types of breast cancer that cannot be seen on mammograms. Experts have not yet strongly suggested that women with dense breasts should undergo additional screening, according to the Statement of Recommendations for Breast Cancer Screening by the US Preventive Services Task Force.
People with dense breasts should talk to their doctor about their personal risks of developing breast cancer.
