The 411 on Dense Breasts

What You Need to Know About Dense Breasts

Each woman has a unique breast density and it is determined via a mammogram. There are several levels of density, and nearly 50% of women fall into the dense breast category⁴⁰. While common, dense breasts can make it difficult to find cancers on a mammogram and put you at a higher risk for breast cancer. Knowing your breast density helps you make informed health decisions.

Making Sense of Breast Density

Breasts are made up of several different tissue types including glandular, fibrous and fatty tissues. Dense breast tissue has more fibrous and glandular tissue than fatty. Multiple factors can determine what your breast tissue type is, including your genetics, hormones and age.

Whether you have fatty tissue or dense breast tissue — it’s okay, it’s just important information for you and your doctor to know when determining the best screening pathway for you.

Your Body & Breast Density

While your breasts may feel firm, that does not mean that they are dense. A 3D™ mammogram is the best way to determine your breast density.

Your doctor will share a report on your breast density after your mammogram, categorizing your breast density from mostly fatty to extremely dense. From there, you and your doctor can use your breast density to determine an appropriate screening plan.

The Importance of Breast Density

Knowing your breast density can help you make the most informed decisions for your health. You can better understand your breast cancer risk factors, such as having dense breasts, and feel confident in your screening plans.
Dense breast tissue can hide tumors and make them harder to find on a traditional mammogram as both appear white- so be sure to receive an annual 3D™ mammogram.

The Genius^® 3D Mammography™ exam is the only mammogram approved by the FDA as superior for women with dense breasts.^2-3  The Genius^® exam can also help detect a greater number of cancers more accurately for women with a variety of breast densities when compared to 2D mammography alone.^1-2

Your breasts are unique, and you should talk to your doctor to decide on what screening plan is best for you. Regardless of your breast density, start with an annual Genius^® 3D™ Mammography exam. Talk to your doctor about the Genius^® exam today and find one near you by clicking here.