Why Mammogram Results May Soon Tell You If You Have Tight Breasts
Dense breast tissue can make it difficult for mammograms to detect tumors. Some states already have laws that say patients need to be told if they have dense breast tissue. Now the FDA has proposed a rule that requires mandatory notification of breasts nationwide.
Breast tissue contains a combination of less dense fat and fibroglandular tissue, which includes the mammary glands and ducts. If you have more fibroglandular tissue, you are at a greater risk of breast cancer and any tumors will be more difficult to detect. About half of women 40 and older have firm breasts.
Depending on your risk (and insurance coverage), you may have a 3D mammogram, breast MRI, ultrasound, or other exam. But not all people with dense breasts are at a higher risk of cancer , and it’s unclear if additional screening helps. Unfortunately, experts disagree on what a patient should do if they receive a letter about dense breast tissue – apart from “talk to your doctor,” this is always good advice on any health-related matter.