Breast density is determined by the relative contributions of fat and fibroglandular tissue (dense tissue) which comprise the breasts. It is best determined with mammography; breast density cannot be predicted by the look and feel of the breasts. Younger women typically have denser breast tissue, and their density generally decreases with age. However, some women’s breasts always remain dense, even after menopause. Other factors such as hormone replacement therapy and weight gain or loss can affect breast density. Approximately 75 percent of women in their 40s have radiographically dense breast tissue.
Women with dense breasts have a greater risk of developing breast cancer than women with less dense breasts. Also, dense tissue appears white on mammography, and since many breast cancers also appear white, dense breast tissue can obscure a cancer or mimic a cancer when none exists.
Radiologists are required by law to inform women if they have dense breasts. Following a screening mammogram, women receive a results letter that includes a sentence informing her if she has dense breasts. You can also ask your doctor or breast radiologist if you have dense breast tissue.
Hoag Breast Center offers industry-leading technology that was designed specifically for women with dense breasts. These technologies include:
(3D mammography)