You're home when you receive the results of your annual mammogram, and fortunately, you're negative for breast cancer. But you notice something else on the mammogram report: Your results also say you have dense breasts. What does that mean?

"Dense breast tissue isn't a cause for immediate concern," says Dr. Ryland Gore, breast surgical oncologist at Methodist Cancer Institute. "However, it can pose challenges in breast cancer detection because it's hard to tell the difference between dense tissue and cancer on a mammogram."

Understanding Dense Breasts

According to the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, dense breasts feel the same as breasts that aren't dense, so you won't notice breast density in a breast self-exam, and your provider won't notice them in a clinical breast exam.

Dense breast tissue develops when there's more glandular or fibrous tissue than fatty tissue in the breasts. The exact cause of dense breast tissue isn't fully understood, but it's influenced by various factors, including genetics, hormones and age.

Hormone changes during menstrual cycles and hormone replacement therapies might also play a role in breast density. While some aspects of breast density are hereditary, lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, may also have some impact.

Is Dense Breast Tissue Something to Worry About?

Fatty tissue appears black during imaging studies, but dense tissue is white on a mammogram. Cancer also appears white on a mammogram, so detecting tumors and other abnormalities within dense breast tissue can be difficult. As a result, patients with dense breasts might require additional screening methods, such as breast ultrasounds or breast MRIs, for more accurate detection.

While dense breast tissue isn't always worrisome, it's essential to stay vigilant about regular breast cancer screenings and discussions with your doctor to ensure appropriate and comprehensive breast health management.

Breast Density, Defined

A mammogram report categorizes breast density using the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS). It classifies breast density into four categories:

• Extremely dense: The breasts have a significant amount of dense tissue, posing the highest challenge in detecting abnormalities.

• Heterogeneously dense: More extensive areas of dense tissue are visible, making it harder to detect abnormalities.

• Mostly fatty: The breasts have a minimal amount of dense tissue.

• Scattered areas: Small areas of dense tissue are present.

In Tennessee, state law requires that you be notified if your mammogram reveals you have heterogeneously or extremely dense breasts. The notice, which is made in writing, advises patients that they're at an increased risk for breast cancer and recommends that they speak with their doctor about whether additional tests would be helpful.

How Can I Reduce My Breast Cancer Risk?

Reducing your breast cancer risk isn't straightforward. However, certain lifestyle modifications might affect your overall breast cancer risk:

• Healthy diet: While direct evidence is limited, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains may impact breast density.

• Limiting alcohol intake: Excessive alcohol consumption is linked to increased cancer risk.

• Maintaining healthy weight: A lower body mass index has been associated with reduced breast cancer risk.

• Regular exercise: Physical activity might lower overall cancer risk.

The Importance of Regular Screenings

If you have dense breasts, your doctor may recommend additional screening beyond mammograms. Assessing other risk factors for breast cancer, such as family history, hormone fluctuations and personal health history, is important to help understand your overall cancer risk.

"The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the greater your chance of survival," Dr. Gore says. "Talk with your doctor about breast density and your breast cancer risk factors, so you can learn what type of screening schedule you should follow."

We're Your Allies for Breast Health 

At Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, our experts are here to provide comprehensive breast health and mammography services to women. Our board-certified radiologists and mammography-certified radiology technologists provide mammograms at five convenient locations in the Mid-South. Schedule your mammogram today by calling 901-516-9000.

FIND A MAMMOGRAM LOCATION NEAR YOU.