Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Understanding breast density

Written by Ashley Dunkerly, breast surgery nurse practitioner at the IU Health Joe & Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center in Carmel

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual observation dedicated to education and early detection of breast cancer. It is the most common cancer in women. However, it can also occur in men. Several types of breast cancer can develop in different areas of the breast. Breast cancer is typically found by a mammogram or felt as a lump. Recently, breast density has emerged as an important factor in assessing a woman's risk of developing breast cancer.

Breast density can be a risk factor.

Importantly, breast density is now recognized as a risk factor for breast cancer. Breast density refers to the proportion of fibrous and glandular tissue compared to fatty tissue in a woman's breasts, as seen on a mammogram. Women with higher breast density have more fibrous and glandular tissue, which can make it more difficult to detect cancer on a mammogram because both dense tissue and tumors appear white on the imaging. This overlap can mask potential abnormalities, increasing the risk of missed diagnoses.

Women with dense breasts are up to four to five times more likely to develop breast cancer than those with lower breast density. This has led to the development of additional screening methods to ensure early detection.

Early detection is key.

IU Health offers advanced screening options specifically tailored for women with dense breasts: whole breast ultrasound, breast MRI and Fast MR. Whole breast ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the breast tissue, providing a different perspective that can highlight abnormalities not visible on a mammogram. Breast MRI, on the other hand, uses magnetic fields to generate detailed images of the breast, making it highly sensitive for detecting early-stage cancers. Another imaging option for women with dense breasts now includes abbreviated magnet resonance imaging, also called Fast MR. The exam is similar to a traditional breast MR, however, is a shortened examination tailored for women who are not at high risk for developing breast cancer. These additional screening modalities can be ordered by OB/GYN or primary care providers on a routine basis, and patients do not have to see a breast specialist to do so.

These modalities are particularly valuable because most breast cancers cannot be felt during physical examinations, and symptoms often do not appear until the cancer is more advanced. Therefore, these additional screening tools are essential for catching cancer at an early, more treatable stage.

Understanding breast density and utilizing advanced screening methods are crucial steps in early breast cancer detection. For women who are at high risk of developing breast cancer, IU Health also offers a specialized High-Risk Breast Cancer Program. To learn more about breast cancer care and treatment at IU Health, visit iuhealth.org/breastcancer.