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With new FDA rule, ACS shares what women should know about breast density

​While the average risk of a woman in the US developing breast cancer is about 13%, for women with dense breast tissue, the risk is even higher. While the average risk of a woman in the US developing breast cancer is about 13%, for women with dense breast tissue, the risk is even higher, the American Cancer Society shared in an announcement on Oct. 7. Breast density is a measure of how much fibrous and glandular tissue there is in a woman’s breast compared to fat tissue. Having dense breasts is a common occurrence in the US, affecting about 40% of women nationwide. Women with dense breast tissue have a 15%-20% greater risk for developing breast cancer and having a false-negative mammogram since mammography does not as readily reveal breast cancers among women with dense breast tissue due to “masking” (i.e., when mammographic breast density obscures a breast cancer).​

“While the link between dense breast tissue and breast cancer risk is unclear, it’s critically important for women to be informed about their breast density” said Dr. Arif Kamal, chief patient officer for the American Cancer Society. “Dense breast tissue also appears white on a mammogram, the same color as masses and cancers, making them more difficult to spot.”​

“ACS CAN is working to ensure access to comprehensive insurance coverage without cost sharing for recommended breast cancer screening and follow-up testing for asymptomatic individuals, regardless of risk,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of the ACS CAN. “For breast cancer screening, this can include additional imaging after an initial abnormal mammogram or if dense breast tissue is present.”

Women who have dense breasts should continue to receive regular mammograms, as most breast cancers can be seen on a mammogram even for those with dense breast tissue. They should also discuss with their provider about considering any additional screening tests in addition to mammograms. 

Those additional tests may include a digital breast tomosynthesis, or a 3D mammography, which some studies have shown may be helpful in finding cancers that are not seen on regular mammograms. Studies have also shown that ultrasounds or magnetic resonance imaging can also detect some breast cancers not seen on mammograms. Still, these additional tests can show more findings that are not cancer, leading to even more tests and unnecessary biopsies that may not be covered by insurance.

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