What Are Dense Breasts?

 

Katie Couric recently revealed she was diagnosed with breast cancer--and she has "dense breasts." Dense breasts? What does that mean? Here we go:

  • The term has nothing to do with size. It's the ratio of fibrous and glandular tissue versus fatty tissue in your breasts--and more than 50% of women over 40 have dense breasts.

  • Women with dense breasts are at a higher risk of getting breast cancer--some states are required to inform women if they have dense breasts. Ask your MD for clarification. Be the boss of your own body.

  • Mammograms can miss small tumors in dense breast tissue. Ask your doctor about more in-depth screenings like a "breast ultrasound" or "MRI" if your breasts are dense.

  • Schedule your first mammogram at 40 and get one every year after the age of 45; women over 55 should switch to every two years, per the American Cancer Society.

  • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can increase breast density. Ask your doctor if you should seek screenings more often.

  • Friends don't let friends miss mammograms. Remind the women in your life to get screened.

 
WellnessMonica Corcoran