Breast density refers to the overall amount of breast tissue relative to fatty tissue in the breast. Breast density is a mammographic finding determined by a radiologist.
Women with dense breast tissue have a higher risk of breast cancer, and it is more difficult to detect on a mammogram if a woman has dense breast tissue. These women may benefit from additional, supplemental screening exams such as screening breast ultrasound or breast MRI.
We offer a screening ultrasound to all women with dense breast tissue, and we have also made screening breast MRI more accessible by offering a new exam called abbreviated breast MRI. Breast MRI is our best test for detecting breast cancer. However, it is not very accessible to women due to its prohibitive cost and long exam time. Abbreviated breast MRI is a much faster exam, less than 10 minutes, and it is also much cheaper than a traditional MRI. The women most likely to benefit from supplemental screening are women who have a high lifetime risk of breast cancer or women with dense breast tissue.