How Does Breast Density Affect Your Mammogram?
The FDA now requires all U.S. mammogram centers to notify women about their breast density score. Here's what to know about what this score means to you.
By James Crawford, MD, Breast Surgeon, Virtua Breast Care
Breast density measures the amount of fatty to fibroglandular (milk ducts and glands) tissue in your breast. It describes how breast tissue appears on a mammogram and is categorized into a breast density score by the radiologist reading your mammogram.
The categories include:
A: Fatty
B: Scattered fibroglandular density
C: Mostly dense
D: Extremely dense
About half of women in the United States have category C or D breast density. Having dense breasts can make it more difficult for radiologists to identify early cancers on mammograms. Having extremely dense breasts is an independent risk factor for developing breast cancer.
The FDA now requires all U.S. mammogram centers to notify women about their breast density score. Hopefully, this requirement will help patients better understand their breast cancer risk and the need for additional testing using breast ultrasound or MRI.
You shouldn't panic if you learn you have dense breasts—it's extremely common
Most important is getting your annual mammogram and discussing your results with your OB/GYN.
- Request a mammogram appointment today.
- If you have a mammogram order from your doctor, schedule your mammogram now.
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