Understanding Breast Density - Professor Wendy Ingman
Mammograms are a fantastic tool for identifying many breast cancers - However, having Dense Breast Tissue can result in a later diagnosis as tumours don't always 'show' on 2D mammograms for women with more dense breast tissue, until they are larger & more dangerous. Sometimes dense breasts are also called 'lumpy breasts'. Mine were - but I was never told of the increased risk of delayed diagnosis of Breast Cancer. My own tumours were found 4 months after a 'clear' mammogram - when my GP suggested she check my breasts.
Breast Density 'masks' Breast Cancer. A delayed diagnosis can lead to larger, more dangerous tumours and may even be Stage 4 at diagnosis due to not being picked up on previous mammograms (and I'd had about 10 - as I'd been 'called back' a few times, but never really told why.)
Dense tissue shows as 'white' (or occult) on the mammogram, and tumours show as 'white' as well.
White on White = unable to detect the tumour with a 2D mammogram. (3D Tomosynthesis machines are better at picking up dense breast tissue - but are not commonly available at Breast Screen clinics.)
There is a need for Breast Screen clinics to advise women of their breast density - but currently only Western Australia Breast Screen actively advises their clients of their breast density.
An Ultrasound is recommended for anyone with dense breast tissue - and biopsy on any suspect areas. Tell your daughters, sisters & any other woman who SHOULD KNOW THIS as a 'right'!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BJeLEjs2q4
Breast Density 'masks' Breast Cancer. A delayed diagnosis can lead to larger, more dangerous tumours and may even be Stage 4 at diagnosis due to not being picked up on previous mammograms (and I'd had about 10 - as I'd been 'called back' a few times, but never really told why.)
Dense tissue shows as 'white' (or occult) on the mammogram, and tumours show as 'white' as well.
White on White = unable to detect the tumour with a 2D mammogram. (3D Tomosynthesis machines are better at picking up dense breast tissue - but are not commonly available at Breast Screen clinics.)
There is a need for Breast Screen clinics to advise women of their breast density - but currently only Western Australia Breast Screen actively advises their clients of their breast density.
An Ultrasound is recommended for anyone with dense breast tissue - and biopsy on any suspect areas. Tell your daughters, sisters & any other woman who SHOULD KNOW THIS as a 'right'!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BJeLEjs2q4
