What is Dense Breast Tissue?
Dense breast tissue is comprised of less fat and more connective tissue which appears white on a mammogram. Cancer also appears white on a mammogram thus tumors are often hidden behind the dense tissue.
Women with dense breasts who have breast cancer are at an increased risk of being diagnosed at a late stage.
Breast density is consistently associated with breast cancer risk, more strongly than many other risk factors and extensive breast density may account for a substantial fraction of breast cancer. – Journal of National Cancer Institute
Dense breasts are the number one reason for missed breast cancer in mammography.
– Dr. Ruthane Reginella, Director of Women’s Imaging, Butler Health System
Click here to read Dr. Reginella’s article on Breast MRI
Click here to read Dr. Wendie Berg’s article on Screening for Women with Dense Breasts, High-Risk Factors
How Can You Help?
Thanks to the Breast Density Notification Act of 2014, many women now know their level of breast density. Women with dense breasts may require additional testing such as MRI or ultrasound to detect breast cancer at its earliest, most treatable stages. The PA Breast Cancer Coalition fought to pass Senate Bill 595 which now requires insurers to cover those additional screenings for women across the state. opens in a new windowOur latest legislation, sponsored by Senators Kim Ward, Devlin Robinson and Tracy Pennycuick, eliminates out-of-pocket costs (co-pay, deductible, co-insurance) for breast MRI and ultrasound as well as genetic testing and counseling for women at high-risk for breast cancer.
Will you take action with us? Ask your state senator to co-sponsor legislation for no-cost breast MRI / ultrasound and genetic testing / counseling for women at high-risk. opens in a new windowClick here to act now.
Take Action. Save Lives.