I have dense breasts

During my last visit to the doctor, I was told that I have ‘dense breasts’. Kindly let me know what this means and if I am in any danger.

Abena (by SMS)

No, you are not in any danger and there’s no need to panic. It is said that dense breast tissue — roughly half of women over the age of 40 have it — can make it more difficult to detect cancer on a mammogram. Women with extremely dense breasts are at increased risk for breast cancer, though scientists are not sure why.

If your doctor says you have dense breasts (it’s not something you’ll be able to feel yourself), he or she may recommend additional imaging with an ultrasound or MRI at your routine breast cancer screenings.

And remember: Dense breast tissue is just one breast cancer risk factor on a list of several. Age, family history, physical inactivity and alcohol use play a role in the risk as well. Knowing all your risk factors “is a really important step forward for patients to be proactive” in their breast health care.

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