Beginning September 10, 2024, all mammography centers across the U.S. will be required to notify women about their breast density after having a mammogram. Studies reveal that many people are unaware that having dense breasts can increase their risk of breast cancer and most are unaware of what to do if they are told they have dense breasts.
What Are Dense Breasts?
Breast density is a mammographic finding that describes the proportion of fibrous and glandular tissue (connective tissue) relative to fatty tissue in the breast. Breast density describes the proportion of fibrous and glandular tissue relative to fatty tissue in the breast. Breast density is a mammographic finding, not a clinical finding, so you can’t tell on a clinical exam by “feeling” the breasts whether a person has dense breasts or not. People wouldn’t know if they have dense breasts until they have had a mammogram. For more detailed information on breast density, click here.
Bizzy Smith, a breast cancer survivor, initially received a clear mammogram, despite feeling that something wasn’t right. It was only after she insisted on further testing that a more detailed test revealed cancer. This early detection allowed her to receive the prompt treatment she needed, ultimately saving her life.
“Even after my routine mammogram came back clear, I knew something was off. It was that second, more detailed scan that caught the cancer early enough to treat it,” Bizzy said.
Read Bizzy’s Story: From ‘The Amazing Race’ to Breast Cancer Survivor
How common are dense breasts?
Up to half of women in the U.S. ages 40 to 74 have dense breasts. Breast density varies by age and weight but is more common in both young women and women who are lean. Breast density also varies among different ethnic groups. For example, Asian women are more likely to have dense breast tissue compared to other ethnic groups. As women age, their breasts may become less dense as more connective breast tissue is replaced by fatty tissue. For more detailed information, click here.
Does my risk for breast cancer increase if I have dense breasts?
Yes, women with very dense breasts are 4-5 times more likely to get breast cancer. Because of the dense tissue, it can be more difficult for radiologists to identify breast cancer on a mammogram for someone with dense breasts.
However, your breast cancer risk is determined by more than just your breast density. Understanding your breast density, your family history, and other risk factors allows for a more comprehensive approach to taking charge of your breast health.
Komen researchers are studying how risk factors such as genetics or breast density can impact breast cancer risk. Read more on our blog, How Genetic Factors and Dense Breasts Impact Your Cancer Risk.
Beyond a screening mammogram, should I get additional imaging if I have dense breasts?
Unfortunately, there are no special screening recommendations or guidelines for women with dense breasts. If you learn you have dense breasts, talk with your doctor about your risk and if additional imaging may be right for you. Mammograms remain the gold standard for breast cancer screening, but they are less effective in women with dense breasts. Screening tests for women with dense breasts are under study.
Will my insurance pay for additional imaging if I have dense breasts?
While annual screening mammography is covered at no cost for women in the U.S. beginning at age 40, additional imaging usually requires out of pocket costs.
Susan G. Komen’s Center for Public Policy has been working with state and federal lawmakers to pass legislation that removes the out-of-pocket expense for imaging beyond a screening mammogram. To date, 26 states have eliminated out-of-pocket costs to patients with state-regulated health insurance plans for diagnostic and/or supplemental imaging. At the federal level, the Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis Act has been introduced in the U.S. House and Senate but passage is unlikely this Congress. Komen urges legislative action to remove financial and administrative barriers to needed breast imaging, ensuring all people can follow recommended screening guidelines based on a conversation with their provider based on their individual risk.
What is the status of legislation eliminating patient cost for diagnostic/supplemental breast imaging?
As of Sept. 1 2024, 26 states (AR, CO, CT, DE, GA, IL, KS, KY, LA, MD, ME, MN, MS, MO, MT, NM, NV, NY, OK, OR, TN, TX, VT, WA) have implemented policies to eliminate cost-sharing for diagnostic and/or supplemental breast imaging for state-regulated private insurance plans.
Federal legislation is still needed to impact individuals with health plans regulated by the federal government. The Access to Breast Cancer Diagnosis (ABCD) Act was introduced in the 118th Congress by Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI-6) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) in the House and by Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Katie Britt (R-AL). The bills also have the support of additional bipartisan cosponsors, 53 in the House and three in the Senate. The bill requires private health insurance plans (large group, small group, individual market, including HDHPs) who cover medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging to do so without patient cost sharing.
Komen is committed to empowering people with the information needed to make informed breast care decisions with their health care providers.
Understanding your breast density and the possible need for additional imaging after a screening mammogram could be the key to finding cancer early when it’s most treatable. Knowledge is power, and when it comes to breast health, it’s a power that can save lives.
Our Komen Breast Care Helpline provides information about breast health, breast cancer, local and national resources, and information about clinical trials. Call 1-877-465-6636 or email: helpline @komen.org. Se habla español.
