Dense breast tissue is up to four times more likely to develop breast cancer. However, a new study shows that many women are unaware of the dangers of breast cancer.
Dense breasts refer to breasts that are composed of more fibrous and glandular tissue compared to fatty tissue and can be detected during a mammogram.
In the year The study published on JAMA Network Open In the year A January 23 study of 1,858 women ages 40 to 76 from 2019 to 2020 who had a recent mammogram, had no history of breast cancer, and had heard of breast density.
Compared with other known risk factors such as having a relative with breast cancer, being overweight or obese, drinking more than one drink of alcohol per day, never having children, and having given birth, breast density in women is considered a greater risk of breast cancer. Early breast biopsy.
Although breast density is associated with a 1.2- to four-fold increased risk of breast cancer, the study found, few women perceived breast density as a strong personal risk. Instead, 93 percent of women see family history as a greater risk, followed by 65 percent of women who say being overweight or obese is a greater risk than breast density.
Of the 61 women interviewed, only six reported that breast density contributed to breast cancer risk. Although, most women rightly note that breast density makes mammograms difficult to read.
When asked what they can do to reduce their risk of breast cancer, a third of women say they are not sure if it is possible to reduce their risk of breast cancer or do not know what steps they can take.
However, there are many steps people can take to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer. A breast exam, also known as a mammogram, is an X-ray image of the breast used to diagnose breast cancer in women. A mammogram can detect signs of breast cancer that otherwise cannot be seen or felt, or confirm the presence of breast cancer after a lump or other breast cancer symptoms appear.
of American Cancer Society It recommends that women ages 45 to 54 get a mammogram every year. Women ages 40 to 44 have the option to start screening earlier, and those 55 and older can switch to yearly mammograms if they choose to do so.
About half of women 40 and older who have mammograms have dense breasts. National Cancer Institute. Breast density is often hereditary, but can also occur in women who are young, taking hormone replacement therapy, or are underweight.
While breast density makes mammograms more difficult to interpret, a new type of mammogram called digital breast tomosynthesis—or 3D mammography – Recently it appears to be more useful for women with thick breasts.
Other studies have shown that imaging tests such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can help find breast cancers that don’t show up on mammograms. Experts have not yet strongly suggested that women with dense breasts should undergo additional screening Recommendations on breast cancer screening US Defense Services Task Force.
People with dense breasts should talk to their health care professionals about their personal risk of developing breast cancer.