Understanding Breast Density Score

Did you know that there is a Density Score when you get a mammogram?? What is that you ask, well I sure wish I knew this before I got diagnosed with a walnut-sized tumor after getting a note saying normal mammograms but extremely dense breasts! Well, guess what …this is a HUGE RISK for FACTOR for breast cancer! So here is the scoop from Mayo Clinic!

Levels of density are described using a results reporting system called Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS). The levels of density are often recorded in your mammogram report using letters. The levels of density are:

A: Almost entirely fatty indicates that the breasts are almost entirely composed of fat. About 1 in 10 women has this result.

B: Scattered areas of fibroglandular density indicates there are some scattered areas of density, but the majority of the breast tissue is nondense. About 4 in 10 women have this result.

C: Heterogeneously dense indicates that there are some areas of nondense tissue, but that the majority of the breast tissue is dense. About 4 in 10 women have this result.

D: Extremely dense indicates that nearly all of the breast tissue is dense. About 1 in 10 women has this result.

In general, women with breasts that are classified as heterogeneously dense or extremely dense are considered to have dense breasts. About half of women undergoing mammograms have dense breasts.

Why does breast density matter?

Having dense breasts affects you in two ways:

Increases the chance that breast cancer may go undetected by a mammogram, since dense breast tissue can mask a potential cancer

Increases your risk of breast cancer, though doctors aren’t certain why

What tests are recommended for breast cancer screening?

Most medical organizations recommend women with an average risk of breast cancer consider regular mammogram testing beginning at age 40 and consider repeating the screening annually.

Women with dense breasts, but no other risk factors for breast cancer, are considered to have a higher risk of breast cancer than average. They may benefit from annual breast cancer screening.

So KNOW YOUR SCORE! ASK FOR IT! For full article go to learn more