Why Breast Density Matters
When it comes to breast health, one factor many women don’t know about is breast density. Yet it’s one of the most important pieces of information for understanding your risk and planning the right screening.
What is breast density?
Breast density refers to the proportion of fibrous and glandular tissue compared to fatty tissue in your breasts, seen on a mammogram.
Dense breasts have more fibrous and glandular tissue and are less fatty.
Why breast density matters:
It can mask cancer on mammograms – Dense tissue and tumors both appear white on a mammogram, making it harder to detect cancer early.
It’s an independent risk factor – Women with dense breasts may have a higher chance of developing breast cancer, even if they have no other risk factors.
It affects screening choices – Knowing your breast density can guide whether you need additional imaging, like a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound or MRI, for more accurate detection.
There are four types of density:
Fatty
Fibroglandular
Heterogenous (generally requires addition screening)
Extreme (generally requires additional screening)
What you can do:
After your first mammogram, your breast density should appear on your report in MYChart.
Discuss whether supplemental screening is needed based on your density.
Educate yourself on your type of density.
Stay up-to-date with regular screenings and know your personal risk factors.
At The Stonebrook Project, we believe that knowledge is power. Understanding your breast density helps you and your healthcare provider make the best decisions for your breast health.
Your Breast Friend,
Edie A. Tolbert
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