Nearly half of US women over the age of 40 have high breast density. Casper Medical Imaging & Outpatient Radiology (CMI & OPR) stress the importance of knowing your breast density to effectively manage and aid in early detection of breast cancer. CMI & OPR use mammography to help women assess their breast density, plus provide personalized Breast Care Plans to empower women to make informed decisions about how to best manage their health.
Why does breast density matter? Breasts are composed of fatty (adipose) tissue and dense (fibroglandular) tissue. Breast density describes how much of the total breast volume is fibroglandular tissue, which includes glands and ducts. Each woman has a certain degree of breast density, ranging from all fatty tissue, mixed fatty and dense tissue, mostly fatty tissue with scattered dense tissue, or extremely dense tissue. Dense breast tissue appears white on a mammogram and so do cancers, making it harder for the radiologist to detect. It’s important for women to know their own breast density as having high breast density has been linked to a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Breast density is determined from a mammogram, not by the way breasts look or feel, therefore it’s critical to schedule regular mammograms.
“Mammograms are the most effective tool we have for screening women for breast cancer and they are also used to assess your breast density. Some women have low breast density while other women have high breast density. Both are common, and in either circumstance, we strongly encourage women to receive mammograms to know their breast density and be proactive in their own cancer prevention efforts,” says CMI & OPR Women’s Imaging Supervisor, Jessie Wagner.
While mammograms are the best tool to measure breast density, some women with dense breasts may require supplementary testing in addition to their mammogram. This can include breast ultrasound, breast MRI, or more frequent mammograms. The radiologist at CMI & OPR may suggest additional screening in a patient’s individual report based on their findings.
As a designated Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center by the American College of Radiology, CMI & OPR are held to the highest standard of excellence when providing accredited mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, and breast ultrasound services. Know your own breast density and reach out and/or schedule an appointment today at (307) 232-5012. CMI & OPR: Bringing patient care and imaging excellence into focus.