Women who have dense breast tissue have a higher risk of breast cancer compared to women with less dense breast tissue. In fact, high breast density is a greater risk factor than having two first degree relatives with breast cancer.
*Statistics provided by a study by Cheka et al. published in AJR 2012.
of women in their 40s
of women in their 50s
of women in their 60s
of women in their 70s
While mammography is the way to determine breast density currently, mammography misses 50% of cancer in dense breasts. Six major studies showed ultrasound coupled with mammography increased cancer detection rates from 48% to 97% in women with dense breast tissue.
*Data provided by a study by Guterbock et al. published in JACR 2016
Breast density laws per state and insurance coverage requirements per state. Visit densebreast-info.org for more information.
Current Status of Dense Breast Notification in US
There is a broad range of resources to learn about breast health, diseases that affect the breast, breast tissue density, recommended testing guidelines for breast cancer screening, breast cancer types, and breast cancer treatment options.
Below are a few web links to organizations of the many that are available.
Patient & Medical Resources
Advocacy Organizations