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Breast Density

All articles tagged with #breast density

health3 months ago

Advances in Breast Imaging Improve Detection for Dense Breast Tissue

Breast density, which affects about 40% of women and is now reported on mammogram results due to new federal laws, is a significant factor in breast cancer detection and risk. Dense breast tissue makes tumors harder to detect on mammograms and increases the risk of developing breast cancer by 2 to 3 times. Women with dense breasts should consider additional screening methods like ultrasound or MRI, especially if they have other risk factors. Lifestyle choices such as limiting alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying active can help reduce breast cancer risk.

health2 years ago

"Preventing Breast Cancer: The Crucial Habit Teenage Girls Must Break"

A study conducted by scientists from the Medical University of South Carolina found that teenage girls who consume a diet high in sugar, carbohydrates, and processed meats and foods, such as fast food, may be at a higher risk of developing breast cancer later in life. The study showed that fast and junk food contains high concentrations of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which can cause changes in breasts similar to those seen in breast cancer patients, including increased breast density. While the study does not prove a causal link between foods high in AGEs and breast cancer, it suggests that reducing processed food consumption during adolescence may help reduce the risk of future breast cancer.

health2 years ago

"Dr. Lisa Larkin Reveals the Truth About Women's Breast Cancer Risk"

Dr. Lisa Larkin, a board-certified internist and women's health specialist, emphasizes the need for a shift in the conversation around breast cancer. She highlights the importance of identifying women at high risk, beyond just family history, and recommends using risk assessment models like the Gale Model and the Tyrer-Cusick Model. Dr. Larkin also addresses the confusion surrounding breast density and its impact on breast cancer risk, urging women with dense breasts to discuss appropriate screening plans with their physicians. Additionally, she highlights the neglect of women's health in mid-life and emphasizes the significance of early interventions for long-term health. Education, establishing relationships with physicians, and advocating for oneself are crucial steps in prioritizing women's health.

health2 years ago

Study reveals potential link between breast density changes and cancer risk.

A study published in JAMA Oncology suggests that the rate of breast density changes over time is associated with the risk of breast cancer being diagnosed in that breast. Researchers analyzed health data over the course of 10 years among 947 women in the St. Louis region who completed routine mammograms. The study found that evaluating longitudinal changes in breast density from digital mammograms may offer an additional tool for assessing the risk of breast cancer and subsequent risk reduction strategies. Women with dense breasts should ask for supplemental imaging when they get mammograms.

health2 years ago

FDA Requires Mammogram Clinics to Notify Women of Breast Density Risk

A new study published in JAMA Oncology has found that a slower rate of decline in breast density in one breast often precedes a cancer diagnosis in that breast. The study analyzed breast density changes over a 10-year period in 10,000 women who were free of cancer when the study started. The findings suggest that a woman's risk of developing breast cancer could be updated every time she gets a new mammogram. While larger studies will need to be done to confirm the findings, the data is considered exciting and could provide an individualized and dynamic tool for assessing a woman's breast cancer risk.

health2 years ago

Understanding Dense Breast Tissue and Its Implications for Breast Cancer Detection

Dense breast tissue makes mammograms harder to read and can increase the risk of breast cancer. Women with dense breast tissue should talk to their doctor about additional screening options such as ultrasound or MRI. Monthly self-breast exams and yearly mammograms are still recommended for all women. Despite federal legislation requiring medical practices to alert women of their breast density, there is still a gap in resources for women with dense breast tissue.

health2 years ago

FDA's new rule on breast density disclosure sparks questions.

The FDA has finalized a regulation that requires all women to receive information about breast density following a mammogram, effective from September 2024. The regulation will require that women be told in their mammogram report that dense breast tissue can mask cancer and make cancer more difficult to detect. The new regulations require that the specific density category be included in all mammography reports that go to the referring health care provider. Women with dense breasts should make sure to have routine screening with a 3D mammogram. Women with other risk factors should consider genetic testing and MRI screening in addition to mammography. Currently, 15 states plus D.C. have laws requiring insurance coverage for supplemental breast cancer screening, but only New York, Connecticut and Illinois require such coverage without copays.