[ad_1]
(KTIV) – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
An opportunity to focus on the importance of regular self-exams, mammograms and treatment options.
However, according to experts, a subject is often overlooked: breast density.
A dense chest refers to the appearance of breast tissue on a mammogram.
It's common and not abnormal.
Breast density compares the amount of fat to the amount of tissue on a mammogram.
A new study from the University of Virginia now suggests that breast density is an increasingly important predictor of breast cancer.
"So, if there is more white tissue here, it's harder to find small cancers."
According to experts, regular mammograms are the best way to detect breast cancer at an early stage.
However, women with dense breasts are a challenge.
"They've recently determined that breast tissue density, which means that if you have dense breast, it's an independent risk factor for breast cancer," said Dr. Adnan Qalbani, a radiologist at the Mercy Breast Care Center. . "It's about three to five times more than the risk factor of a normal breast."
A high breast density means that there is a greater amount of breast and connective tissue compared to fat.
Low breast density involves a large amount of fat compared to breast and connective tissue.
"The density of breast tissue hides early and small cancer," said Dr. Qalbani. "Thus, women with dense breasts and also with a higher risk of cancer are at a higher risk of finding these cancers at a later stage."
Dr. Qalbani explained that the cause of dense breast tissue was unclear, but that you are more likely to have it if you are younger, if your body mass index is lower or if you are undergoing hormonal treatment for menopause.
"So, many things can affect the density of breast tissue," Dr. Qalbani said.
According to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, there are currently no special recommendations or screening guidelines for women with dense breasts.
However, your doctor may suggest additional screening if your chest is dense.
Additional tests for breast cancer may include:
3D mammograms, breast MRI, breast ultrasound or molecular imaging of the breast.
Dr. Qalbani says that each additional test has advantages and disadvantages.
He suggests talking to your health care provider before undergoing additional tests.
For more information on additional screenings, visit the Mayo Clinic website.
Source link
