What does having ‘Dense Breasts’ mean?

31.12.13 / Breast Density / Author: admin

So you now know, from your Doctor, that you have dense breasts.  Hopefully, they have given you an indication based on the BI-RADS system.

Grade 1 and 2 have a small elevated risk.

Grade 3 and 4 have a higher elevated risk.  This does not mean you have to panic!!  What is DOES mean is that you need to be especially vigilant.  You really have to know your body, and more importantly, LISTEN to your body.

You need to talk with your doctor about other factors such as age, weight, pre or post menopause, hormonal treatment, diet, family history and genetics.  And THEN you have to add in your breast density.  Density should not be the only driver in your decisions.  Speak with your Doctor and/or a specialist Radiologist.

If you are over 40 and are not already having regular mammograms, start having them now.  In Australia, BreastScreen provides these free every 2 years once you are over 40.  Mammograms are not embarrassing (the radiographers sees hundreds of boobs each week), and they are uncomfortable for seconds only.  Surely this is a small ‘price’ to pay for some peace of mind.

If you decide you want to be more vigilant, perhaps include Ultrasounds.  And, if you want to go further, perhaps an MRI every 2 years.  MRI plus Mammogram is a good combination, perhaps alternating each year.

This is a very personal choice, and is also dependent on your monetary situation.  MRI’s are not cheap and are not covered by Medicare in Australia.

Now, I know and understand that some women don’t get checked because they don’t want to have the potential for a negative outcome.  They don’t want to find a lump.  This is a tough one.  No-one wants to find a lump or abnormality.  EARLY DETECTION IS KEY TO A POSITIVE PROGNOSIS.  The statistics show that the earlier and smaller the cancer, the better the long term prognosis.  It can often mean a much shorter and less intrusive treatment cycle as well.