You may have heard about women with dense breasts when undergoing mammogram investigation. Having dense breasts is not a medical condition. It is often hereditary, related to young age and hormonal influence.
Dense breasts refers to a radiological term used to describe an increased amount breast gland cells which can make a mammogram difficult to assess on its own. These dense areas appear “white” on imaging and a small breast cancer may have the same appearance. This is where an ultrasound +/- MRI can help assess the breast with more accuracy.
Dense breasts also carry a small increased risk of breast cancer in the future. Your surgeon or breast physician may recommend annual breast screening with a mammogram and ultrasound +/- MRI in this setting.
