Breast density is a term used to describe the amount of fibrous and glandular tissue in a woman’s breasts, compared to the amount of fatty tissue. Having dense breasts is quite common, and it is not something women can control.

Although many may not know it, having dense breasts can have implications for one’s health.

What is breast density?

Breast density refers to the amount of fibrous and glandular tissue that makes up a woman’s breast. When reading a mammogram, radiologists analyze breast density by looking at how much of the tissue appears white versus how much appears black.

Fatty tissue appears black, while the glandular and fibrous tissue appears white.

What are the different types of breast density?

There are four categories of breast density as identified by the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BIRADS) developed by the American College of Radiology. They are:.

BIRADS A: The breast is almost entirely fatty. About 10% of women have this breast density.
BIRADS B: There are scattered areas of fibroglandular density. About 40% of women have this breast density.
BIRADS C: The breast tissue is heterogeneously dense, which means there are more areas of white glandular and fibrous tissue than areas of black fatty tissue. About 40% of women have this type of density.
BIRADS D: The breast tissue is extremely dense, with very little fatty tissue. Women with BIRADS D breast density have a four to six times higher risk of developing breast cancer than women with breast containing almost entirely fatty tissue. About 10% of women have this type of breast density.

What is the implication of breast density for breast cancer?

Women who have dense breasts have a higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to women who have lower density breasts. This may be because dense breast tissue appears white on a mammogram and can mask small tumors which can also appear white.

It is easier for radiologists to detect breast cancer in women with fatty breasts than in women with dense breasts. Studies have shown that mammography is less effective in detecting cancer in women with dense breasts.

In mammogram images, dense breast tissue can mask areas of cancer, making it more difficult to detect.

How can you tell if you have dense breasts?

The only way to know if you have dense breasts is to have a mammogram. A mammogram provides important information about the density of the breasts.

Women may be advised to have a supplemental breast screening in addition to mammography if they have dense breasts.

Can breast density change over time?

Breast density can change over time. It is not uncommon for a woman’s breast density to decrease as she ages.

However, other factors such as taking hormone therapy after menopause and using certain types of birth control can also contribute to an increase in breast density.

What can women with dense breasts do to reduce their risk of breast cancer?

There are various things women can do to reduce their risk of breast cancer if they have dense breasts. These include:.

Doing regular breast self-exams to be aware of any changes in the breast that may need further examination
Having regular mammograms, and discussing with physicians the need for supplemental screening tests such as ultrasound or MRI
Limiting alcohol intake
Staying physically active
Maintaining a healthy weight
Avoiding exposure to chemicals that may be carcinogenic

Conclusion

Breast density refers to the amount of glandular and fibrous tissue in a woman’s breast.

Women with dense breasts have a higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to those with fatty breasts, and mammograms are less effective in detecting cancer in women with dense breasts.

Women with dense breasts can take steps to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer by staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake, and having regular mammograms and discussing the need for supplemental screening tests with their healthcare provider.