Breast tissue density has been found to be a strong indicator for breast cancer risk. Women with radiologically dense breasts, indicative of a large proportion of ductal and connective tissue, are at substantially higher risk of developing breast cancer than women whose breasts are radiologically lucent with a large proportion of replaced fatty tissue.
The most commonly used method for assessing and reporting breast density in mammography is the BIRADS (American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) describing four different categories: (1) entirely fat; (2) scattered fibroglandular densities; (3) heterogeneously dense; and (4) extremely dense. The BIRADS classifications are routinely used as a part of a radiologist's mammographic assessment and are available for women who get yearly mammograms.
Breast density can change through life. But a certain proportion of women will remain extremely dense throughout their lives. For many women, breast density will change with age or be related to factors such as relative body mass index, age at first childbirth, postmenopausal hormone replacement use and/or genetic make-up.
Ask your doctor what your breast density assessment is after your next mammogram.
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