A recent survey has revealed that approximately nine in ten women are unaware of their breast density, a crucial factor linked to breast cancer risk and the effectiveness of mammograms. The study, which polled 2,000 individuals, also found that over half of women did not know about the connection between breast density and the disease.
Breast density refers to the proportion of fatty tissue compared to glandular and connective tissue within the breast. Denser breasts, meaning those with less fat, can pose challenges for early cancer detection through mammography because both dense tissue and tumors appear white on the scan, making tumors harder to identify.
Furthermore, denser breasts are associated with an elevated risk of developing cancer. Women with moderately dense breasts face a risk that is up to four times higher, while those with the densest breast tissue can experience a risk increase of up to six-fold. Despite these risks, breast density information is often not recorded in medical notes for women in Britain, even though nearly three-quarters of women express a desire to know their density.
More than 40 percent of women have dense breasts. In Britain, unlike in the United States and most of Europe, women are frequently not informed about their breast density. It is important to note that breast density is unrelated to the breast's feel, shape, or size.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in Britain each year, affecting around 56,000 women. While survival rates are high, with nine in ten women surviving the disease, it still results in over 11,000 deaths annually.
Breast screening plays a vital role in early tumor detection, but its efficacy can be reduced in women with dense breasts. Researchers from the University of Cambridge and Addenbrooke’s Hospital estimate that mammograms miss over 3,500 breast cancers each year. The incorporation of supplementary screening methods, such as ultrasounds or MRIs, could potentially triple detection rates.
The survey was conducted on behalf of Micrima, a private breast density clinic. "For too long, breast density has been an unknown for many women, despite the role it can play in both cancer risk and detection," stated Adrian Waller, the clinic's chief executive. "Our aim is to give women access to clear, personalised information so they can better understand their own breast health and make informed decisions with confidence."