Join Now
Sign In
As we age does breast density change?
Topic Tags:
Topic Tags:
Diseases:
Video Answers
(1)
1
Expert Answers
DrAttai (Physician - Surgery - Breast (Verified) ) - 10 / 04 / 2011
That's a good question, especially with all the information we now have linking breast density to an increased risk of breast cancer. Density refers to relative proportion of fibrous or glandular tissue to fatty tissue in the breast and is most commonly evaluated by appearance of the tissue on mammogram. Dense tissue is not the same as "lumpiness" - a woman can have a lot of lumpy breast tissue but the tissue could be primarily fat. In general, breast density does decrease with age - the normal aging process makes the breast tissue more fatty over time. This results in easier interpretation of mammograms and other imaging studies as women get older as it is harder to "see through" the dense breast tissue on mammogram to identify tumors - this is a major reason why mammograms and even ultrasound and MRI have a harder time detecting breast cancer in younger women.
Breast density is not only influenced by age however. Women that are on hormone replacement therapy will generally continue to have dense breast tissue even after menopause, and some women even without HRT have dense breast tissue - genetics, body weight, diet, activity and other factors probably play a role as well.
It is important to know that your risk of breast cancer is increased if you have dense breast tissue, but the majority of young women DO have dense breast tissue. Density is reported on your mammogram report, but often only on the report that goes to the physician, not the "layperson letter" that you would receive. Several states have either passed legislation or have legislation pending that would require mammogram facilities to inform women of their breast density. It is reasonable to ASK your physician or mammographer about your breast density so that you are informed. Depending on your risk factors, additional testing such as ultrasound and MRI might be recommended, but they are currently not recommended for all women with dense breast tissue. However, this field is changing, so stay tuned!
Breast density is not only influenced by age however. Women that are on hormone replacement therapy will generally continue to have dense breast tissue even after menopause, and some women even without HRT have dense breast tissue - genetics, body weight, diet, activity and other factors probably play a role as well.
It is important to know that your risk of breast cancer is increased if you have dense breast tissue, but the majority of young women DO have dense breast tissue. Density is reported on your mammogram report, but often only on the report that goes to the physician, not the "layperson letter" that you would receive. Several states have either passed legislation or have legislation pending that would require mammogram facilities to inform women of their breast density. It is reasonable to ASK your physician or mammographer about your breast density so that you are informed. Depending on your risk factors, additional testing such as ultrasound and MRI might be recommended, but they are currently not recommended for all women with dense breast tissue. However, this field is changing, so stay tuned!
Similar Questions
Note: All content on this site is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with questions regarding your health.
Note: Usernames have been made anonymous and profile images are not shown to protect the privacy of our members.
Thank you for flagging this content. We will look into it right away.
Add Answer
1) Question:
2) Background Info (optional): What context or background information is relevant to this request?
Notes:
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.
Newsletters
Share Conversation
To tell people about this conversation, type their email addresses here (separated by commas):
From:
Add a personal note here:
Cancer Updates
Sign up for our
All Cancers
updates for the latest news, best answers and featured experts.
Ads keep TalkAboutHealth freeadvertisement
Similar Questions
Updates
Sign up for email updates of the latest news, best answers, and featured experts.
Benefits
Custom health, wellness, & medical offers from our partners including clinical trials, market research opportunities & new programs.
Upcoming Workshops
-
Breast Cancer Oncology
Mon., May 20th
Expert: Katherine Crew, MD -
Melanoma Oncology
Mon., May 20th
Expert: Steven O'Day, MD -
Gastric (Stomach) Cancer Oncology
Tues., May 21st
Expert: Manish Shah, MD -
T-cell Lymphoma
Tues., May 21st
Expert: Francine Foss, MD -
Breast Cancer Oncology
Wed., May 22nd
Expert: Linnea Chap, MD -
Cancer Support and Psychosocial Education
Thurs., May 23rd
Expert: Jeff Kane, MD -
CLL - Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Fri., May 24th
Expert: Jennifer Brown, MD, PhD
SHARE Support
1) Call SHARE at: 866-891-2392
to speak directly to a trained breast cancer survivor for support and guidance.
2) Direct message the trained peer supporter you select.
3) E-mail us at support@talkabouthealth.com, and we will find the right match for you.
More info
to speak directly to a trained breast cancer survivor for support and guidance.
2) Direct message the trained peer supporter you select.
3) E-mail us at support@talkabouthealth.com, and we will find the right match for you.
More info
3 Quick Ways You Can Help
1) Spread the word! Tell people you think might want some support. Tell medical professionals, health providers, and organizations.
2) Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
3) Volunteer - email us at volunteer@talkabouthealth.com for more information.
More Ways To Help!
2) Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!
3) Volunteer - email us at volunteer@talkabouthealth.com for more information.
More Ways To Help!
View All Newsletters
