How dense breast tissue can make it harder to detect cancer in mammograms

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – Doctors say having dense breasts can make it harder to see cancer on a mammogram, and it can increase a woman’s risk of developing cancer.

The FDA is now requiring doctors to share with patients receiving mammograms about whether they have dense breast tissue because it can impact their results.

“Dense breast tissue, which is white on a mammogram, can obscure or hide breast cancer, which also is white on a mammogram,” said Laura Shepardson, MD, head of breast imaging for Cleveland Clinic. “So, the denser tissue you have, the harder it is to see breast cancer.”

Dr. Shepardson says if you find out you have dense breasts, don’t be alarmed. Researchers say dense breast tissue is relatively common. Reports show nearly half of women who are 40 and older have dense breast tissue.

This is part of the reason why the FDA is now requiring doctors to tell a woman if she falls into this category. Additional screening methods like using an ultrasound or MRI are recommended.

“Recent studies have shown there’s about a 50 to 75% compliance rate with screening mammography, which I think is amazing. But, we need to do better. We want to get that number up to 80% or greater if possible,” Dr. Shepardson said. “We must continue to emphasize why early detection is so important. The earlier we find breast cancer, the more treatment options patients have, including less invasive treatments, and the better their chances for a cure.”

It is recommended that women get annual screening mammograms when they turn 40 years old. However, those screenings may need to start sooner depending on personal risk factors and family history.

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