Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in women. According to the American Cancer Society, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
While there are a number of factors that can increase your risk, one that you may not have heard of before is having dense breasts. In this article, we’ll explore what dense breasts are, how they can impact your breast cancer risk, and what you can do to stay informed and take proactive steps to protect your health.
What are dense breasts?
Density refers to the amount of glandular tissue versus fatty tissue in your breasts. It’s determined by a mammogram, which generates images that show radiologists what’s going on inside your breast tissue.
If you have more glandular tissue than fatty tissue, your breasts are considered dense; if you have more fatty tissue than glandular tissue, your breasts are considered non-dense.
How does breast density impact cancer risk?
A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that women with dense breasts are four to six times more likely to develop breast cancer than women with non-dense breasts.
While researchers aren’t exactly sure why this is the case, some believe that the denser tissue makes it more difficult for radiologists to spot a tumor early on, when it’s most treatable. Additionally, glandular tissue is more active than fatty tissue, which might make it more susceptible to cancer, though this theory is still being researched.
Related Article
The dangers of having dense breasts
What can I do if I have dense breasts?
If you’ve been told that you have dense breasts, you’re not alone. Approximately 40% of women fall into this category.
However, it’s important to recognize that having dense breasts doesn’t mean you’re destined to develop breast cancer, and it certainly doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong.
The most important step you can take if you have dense breasts is to stay informed and take proactive steps to protect your health. Some things you can do include:.
- Get a mammogram: Mammograms are a type of low-dose X-ray that can detect tumors before they’re even big enough to feel. If you’re over the age of 40, it’s recommended that you get a mammogram once a year.
- Consider additional screening: Depending on your risk level and other factors, your doctor may recommend additional imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or MRI. These can be especially helpful for detecting tumors in dense breast tissue.
- Know your risk factors: While dense breasts are a risk factor for breast cancer, they’re not the only one. Other factors, such as family history, age, and certain lifestyle factors can also impact your risk. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk profile.
- Stay proactive: Practice regular self-exams and report any changes in your breasts to your doctor right away. The earlier breast cancer is detected, the more treatable it is.
Conclusion
Breast cancer is a complex disease, but by staying informed about your risk factors and taking proactive steps to protect your health, you can lower your risk. If you’ve been told that you have dense breasts, don’t panic.
Instead, talk to your doctor about what you can do to stay healthy and keep your breasts cancer-free.
