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Breast Cancer Screening and Dense Breasts: What Are My Options?

You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.

Breast Cancer Screening and Dense Breasts: What Are My Options?

Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.

1
Get the
Facts

2
Compare
Options

3
Your
Feelings

4
Your
Decision

5
Quiz
Yourself

6
Your
Summary

Get the facts

Your options

Have a mammogram to screen for breast cancer.
Have an MRI or ultrasound with your mammogram.

Key points to remember

The more dense your breast tissue is, the harder it is to see cancer on a mammogrammammogram image. That's because dense tissue looks white onscreen, just like cancer does.
Having dense breasts may slightly increase your risk for breast cancer. But your risk depends on many things.
When deciding about breast cancer screening, you'll need to think in terms of your total breast cancer risk. Ask your doctor to go over your breast cancer risk factors with you, so you can decide what screening is right for you.
Screening tests for breast cancer include mammogram, breast ultrasoundbreast ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Each type of test shows breast tissue differently and finds things that the others don't. Depending on your risk level, insurance may pay only for a mammogram.
Cancer screening comes with the risk of finding things that look like cancer, but aren't. This "false-positivefalse-positive" problem can lead to unneeded tests, biopsybiopsy, and sometimes treatment. When deciding about screening, weigh this risk against the possible benefits of detection, especially with the MRI. Breast MRI is very good at finding cancer. But it's also more likely than other tests to mistake non-cancer breast changes as possible cancer.

FAQs

What are dense breasts? What are dense breasts?

Dense breast tissue is made up of thick fibrous tissue and milk glands.

Most women have breasts with a mix of dense tissue and fatty tissue. Some women have very dense or very fatty breasts. All of these breast types are normal.

There are four levels of breast density:

Almost all fatty tissue (1 out of 10 women)

Scattered areas of dense tissue, but mostly fatty tissue (4 out of 10 women)

Mixed dense and fatty tissue, also called heterogeneous (4 out of 10 women)

Extremely dense tissue (1 out of 10 women)

You can't tell how dense your breasts are by looking in the mirror or feeling them. The mammogrammammogram report sent to your doctor tells how dense your breasts are. It's written by the radiologist who reads your mammogram.

Why do I need to know about dense breasts? Why do I need to know about dense breasts?

Having dense breasts may affect your plans for breast cancer screening. The more dense a breast is, the harder it is to see cancer on a mammogram image. That's because dense tissue looks white onscreen, just like cancer does.

Breast cancer tends to grow in dense breast tissue more often than in fatty breast tissue. So having dense breasts may slightly increase your risk for breast cancer.

What about my breast cancer risk?What about my breast cancer risk?

Having dense breasts may slightly increase your risk for breast cancer. But your risk for breast cancer depends on many things.

Sometimes women think that their breast cancer risk is higher than it really is. If you don't know how high your risk actually is, talk to your doctor to find out.

If there's a high risk of breast cancer in your family, talk to your doctor about getting genetic testing and genetic counselinggenetic counseling.

To learn more about your risk level, go to www.cancer.gov/bcrisktool.

What tests are commonly used to screen dense breasts for breast cancer?What tests are commonly used to screen dense breasts for breast cancer?

There are several breast cancer screening tests. Each type of test shows breast tissue differently and finds things that the others don't.

MammogramMammogram only. Mammograms are recommended for all women who need breast cancer screening. A mammogram is the only test that can show tiny bits of calcium that can be a sign of cancer, even in dense breast tissue.

Mammogram and breast ultrasoundbreast ultrasound. These tests work well together for screening dense breast tissue. An ultrasound can show if a lump seen on a mammogram is a harmless fluid-filled cyst or something solid that could be a problem.

Mammogram and MRIMRI. MRI shows clear detail of breast tissue, but often can't tell you what is cancer and what isn't. Many "abnormal" spots on MRI turn out to not be cancer, especially in women with a low risk for breast cancer.

Digital breast tomosynthesisDigital breast tomosynthesis, sometimes called DBT or 3-D mammogram, is a test that uses new technology. It may be used alone or with a digital mammogram. DBT seems to work better than mammogram alone to find cancer in dense breast tissue. But it is still being studied to see how well it works.

What are the risks of getting less testing versus the risks of getting more testing? What are the risks of getting less testing versus the risks of getting more testing?

No screening test is perfect. Each carries the risk of doing too little or too much.

The risk of less testing is missing a cancer that needs treatment (called a false-negative resultfalse-negative result). With dense breast tissue, missing a cancer is most likely with a mammogram-only screening.

The risk of more testing is:

Finding something that looks like a cancer when it's not (called a false-positive resultfalse-positive result). This can lead to unneeded tests or biopsybiopsy. False-positives are more common with MRIMRI screening, since it shows the most detail.

Finding cancer that would never cause a problem, such as a cancer that grows so slowly that even without treatment it would never affect a woman's health. But since there is no way to know which breast cancers will cause harm, any cancer is usually treated.

What are the benefits of getting less testing versus the benefits of getting more testing?What are the benefits of getting less testing versus the benefits of getting more testing?

Different breast imaging tests can detect cancer in different ways. No single test can find every cancer.

The benefit of getting less testing (a mammogram-only screening) is that it raises your chances of finding cancer without the added risks of more testing.

The benefit of getting more testing (a mammogram plus another screening test) is that you may further raise your chances of finding cancer. But having more testing means that your chances for a false-positive result are higher. You may end up having tests that you don't need, such as a biopsy.

What might a doctor recommend?What might a doctor recommend?

If you have dense breasts but no other risk factors for breast cancer, a mammogram is the recommended test. There isn't enough evidence from studies to show that having other tests will help you.^{footnote 1footnote 1}

If you have dense breasts and other risk factors for breast cancer, talk with your doctor to decide about screening. In some cases, if further screening is needed, a breast ultrasoundbreast ultrasound or MRIMRI may be done.

Team up with your doctor to decide what makes the most sense for you.

Compare your options

	Get a mammogram only	Get an MRI or ultrasound with your mammogram
What is usually involved?	You get a screening mammogrammammogram and breast exam. If the mammogram is hard to read or looks abnormal, you may be called in for another test, such as a breast ultrasoundbreast ultrasound. If you notice any changes in your breasts between mammograms, you see your doctor.	You get a mammogrammammogram plus a breast ultrasoundbreast ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If the test results look abnormal, you may be called in for another test. If you notice any changes in your breasts between mammograms, you see your doctor.
What are the benefits?	A mammogram can show cancer that is too small for you or your doctor to feel. Even in dense breast tissue, it is the only test that can show tiny bits of calcium that can be a sign of cancer. A screening mammogram is a proven early-detection test for breast cancer.	An ultrasound can show if a lump seen on a mammogram is a harmless fluid-filled cyst or if it's something solid that might need a biopsybiopsy. Mammograms show tiny calcium signs of cancer that ultrasound and MRI do not. MRI shows breast tissue in detail and can find cancers that might not be seen on a mammogram.
What are the risks and side effects?	It can be hard to see cancer on a mammogram of dense breast tissue. A mammogram may miss some cancers (called a false-negative resultfalse-negative result). This is most likely to happen with dense breast tissue. A mammogram can find cancers that will never cause a problem. And it can show something that looks like a cancer when it's not (called a false-positive resultfalse-positive result). This can lead to unneeded tests (like a biopsybiopsy).	The chance of finding something that looks like cancer, but is not, is higher than with mammogram alone. This false-positive resultfalse-positive result can lead to unneeded tests, like a biopsy. False-positives are more common with MRI screening. The chance of finding cancer that will never cause a problem is higher than with a mammogram alone. This can lead to unneeded tests and even treatments. Breast cancer imaging may miss some cancers (called a false-negative resultfalse-negative result).

Compare


What is usually involved?
What are the benefits?
What are the risks and side effects?

Get a mammogram only Get a mammogram only

You get a screening mammogrammammogram and breast exam.
If the mammogram is hard to read or looks abnormal, you may be called in for another test, such as a breast ultrasoundbreast ultrasound.
If you notice any changes in your breasts between mammograms, you see your doctor.

A mammogram can show cancer that is too small for you or your doctor to feel. Even in dense breast tissue, it is the only test that can show tiny bits of calcium that can be a sign of cancer.
A screening mammogram is a proven early-detection test for breast cancer.

It can be hard to see cancer on a mammogram of dense breast tissue.
A mammogram may miss some cancers (called a false-negative resultfalse-negative result). This is most likely to happen with dense breast tissue.
A mammogram can find cancers that will never cause a problem. And it can show something that looks like a cancer when it's not (called a false-positive resultfalse-positive result). This can lead to unneeded tests (like a biopsybiopsy).

Get an MRI or ultrasound with your mammogram Get an MRI or ultrasound with your mammogram

You get a mammogrammammogram plus a breast ultrasoundbreast ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
If the test results look abnormal, you may be called in for another test.
If you notice any changes in your breasts between mammograms, you see your doctor.

An ultrasound can show if a lump seen on a mammogram is a harmless fluid-filled cyst or if it's something solid that might need a biopsybiopsy.
Mammograms show tiny calcium signs of cancer that ultrasound and MRI do not.
MRI shows breast tissue in detail and can find cancers that might not be seen on a mammogram.

The chance of finding something that looks like cancer, but is not, is higher than with mammogram alone. This false-positive resultfalse-positive result can lead to unneeded tests, like a biopsy. False-positives are more common with MRI screening.
The chance of finding cancer that will never cause a problem is higher than with a mammogram alone. This can lead to unneeded tests and even treatments.
Breast cancer imaging may miss some cancers (called a false-negative resultfalse-negative result).

Personal stories about considering how to screen dense breasts for cancer

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

When I learned from my mammogram results that I have dense breasts, I freaked out. I thought, "That's it. I'm going to get cancer." See, I'm one of those people who expects the worst. But thanks to my doctor, I've settled down on this one. My breasts aren't that dense, and the radiologist had no trouble seeing everything she needed to on the mammogram. If there's any trouble with reading my next mammogram, they'll just do an ultrasound afterward. Hopefully, it'll be that easy.

Joelle, age 44

When my sister got cancer, we learned that she and I both have the BRCA1 gene. That means that I have a high risk of getting breast cancer—bad breast cancer—like my sister and other women in our family have. It makes my dense breasts seem like nothing, especially since I get a mammogram and an MRI every year, anyway. I had a biopsy after one screening, which got me absolutely terrified. But so far, there's no cancer.

Shawna, age 47

A couple of years ago, I had a biopsy that shows a kind of cell change that could lead to cancer. Until I learned I have dense breasts, I figured that a mammogram every year was all I needed to keep an eye on it. My doctor and I read over my past mammogram reports and decided that I can have a breast ultrasound with my next mammogram and see if that gives a clear enough picture. If not, we'll go from there and talk about whether I need another test.

Lisa, age 65

What matters most to you?

Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.

Reasons to have a mammogram only

Reasons to have a mammogram plus other testing

I'm not too worried about breast cancer. I do have dense breasts, but my doctor says I don't have any important risk factors.

I have a mother, sister, or daughter who's had breast cancer, so my cancer risk is high.

More important

Equally important

More important

My radiology report says that my breasts only have scattered areas of dense tissue, so I think a mammogram can do the job.

My radiology report says that my breasts are very dense, so I'm worried.

More important

Equally important

More important

I feel like getting mammograms and doing self-exams of my breasts are enough screening for me.

I want as much breast cancer screening as I can have, even if it means getting some false-positives.

More important

Equally important

More important

I'm concerned about the cost of the screening tests.

I'm not concerned about the cost of testing.

More important

Equally important

More important

My other important reasons:

More important

Equally important

More important

Where are you leaning now?

Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.

Having a mammogram only

Having a mammogram plus other screening testing

Leaning toward

Undecided

Leaning toward

Your Summary

Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.

Your decisionYour decision

Your knowledge of the factsYour knowledge of the facts

Getting ready to actGetting ready to act

What matters to youWhat matters to you

Print SummaryPrint Summary

Credits and ReferencesCredits and References

Author	Healthwise StaffHealthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board	Clinical Review BoardClinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Breast Cancer Screening and Dense Breasts: What Are My Options?

Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.

Get the facts
Compare your options
What matters most to you?
Where are you leaning now?
What else do you need to make your decision?

1. Get the Facts

Your options

Have a mammogram to screen for breast cancer.
Have an MRI or ultrasound with your mammogram.

Key points to remember

The more dense your breast tissue is, the harder it is to see cancer on a mammogrammammogram image. That's because dense tissue looks white onscreen, just like cancer does.
Having dense breasts may slightly increase your risk for breast cancer. But your risk depends on many things.
When deciding about breast cancer screening, you'll need to think in terms of your total breast cancer risk. Ask your doctor to go over your breast cancer risk factors with you, so you can decide what screening is right for you.
Screening tests for breast cancer include mammogram, breast ultrasoundbreast ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Each type of test shows breast tissue differently and finds things that the others don't. Depending on your risk level, insurance may pay only for a mammogram.
Cancer screening comes with the risk of finding things that look like cancer, but aren't. This "false-positivefalse-positive" problem can lead to unneeded tests, biopsybiopsy, and sometimes treatment. When deciding about screening, weigh this risk against the possible benefits of detection, especially with the MRI. Breast MRI is very good at finding cancer. But it's also more likely than other tests to mistake non-cancer breast changes as possible cancer.

FAQs

What are dense breasts?

Dense breast tissue is made up of thick fibrous tissue and milk glands.

Most women have breasts with a mix of dense tissue and fatty tissue. Some women have very dense or very fatty breasts. All of these breast types are normal.

There are four levels of breast density:

Almost all fatty tissue (1 out of 10 women)
Scattered areas of dense tissue, but mostly fatty tissue (4 out of 10 women)
Mixed dense and fatty tissue, also called heterogeneous (4 out of 10 women)
Extremely dense tissue (1 out of 10 women)

You can't tell how dense your breasts are by looking in the mirror or feeling them. The mammogrammammogram report sent to your doctor tells how dense your breasts are. It's written by the radiologist who reads your mammogram.

Why do I need to know about dense breasts?

Having dense breasts may affect your plans for breast cancer screening. The more dense a breast is, the harder it is to see cancer on a mammogram image. That's because dense tissue looks white onscreen, just like cancer does.

Breast cancer tends to grow in dense breast tissue more often than in fatty breast tissue. So having dense breasts may slightly increase your risk for breast cancer.

What about my breast cancer risk?

Having dense breasts may slightly increase your risk for breast cancer. But your risk for breast cancer depends on many things.

Sometimes women think that their breast cancer risk is higher than it really is. If you don't know how high your risk actually is, talk to your doctor to find out.

If there's a high risk of breast cancer in your family, talk to your doctor about getting genetic testing and genetic counselinggenetic counseling.

To learn more about your risk level, go to www.cancer.gov/bcrisktool.

What tests are commonly used to screen dense breasts for breast cancer?

There are several breast cancer screening tests. Each type of test shows breast tissue differently and finds things that the others don't.

MammogramMammogram only. Mammograms are recommended for all women who need breast cancer screening. A mammogram is the only test that can show tiny bits of calcium that can be a sign of cancer, even in dense breast tissue.
Mammogram and breast ultrasoundbreast ultrasound. These tests work well together for screening dense breast tissue. An ultrasound can show if a lump seen on a mammogram is a harmless fluid-filled cyst or something solid that could be a problem.
Mammogram and MRIMRI. MRI shows clear detail of breast tissue, but often can't tell you what is cancer and what isn't. Many "abnormal" spots on MRI turn out to not be cancer, especially in women with a low risk for breast cancer.

Digital breast tomosynthesisDigital breast tomosynthesis, sometimes called DBT or 3-D mammogram, is a test that uses new technology. It may be used alone or with a digital mammogram. DBT seems to work better than mammogram alone to find cancer in dense breast tissue. But it is still being studied to see how well it works.

What are the risks of getting less testing versus the risks of getting more testing?

No screening test is perfect. Each carries the risk of doing too little or too much.

The risk of less testing is missing a cancer that needs treatment (called a false-negative resultfalse-negative result). With dense breast tissue, missing a cancer is most likely with a mammogram-only screening.
The risk of more testing is:
- Finding something that looks like a cancer when it's not (called a false-positive resultfalse-positive result). This can lead to unneeded tests or biopsybiopsy. False-positives are more common with MRIMRI screening, since it shows the most detail.
- Finding cancer that would never cause a problem, such as a cancer that grows so slowly that even without treatment it would never affect a woman's health. But since there is no way to know which breast cancers will cause harm, any cancer is usually treated.

What are the benefits of getting less testing versus the benefits of getting more testing?

Different breast imaging tests can detect cancer in different ways. No single test can find every cancer.

The benefit of getting less testing (a mammogram-only screening) is that it raises your chances of finding cancer without the added risks of more testing.
The benefit of getting more testing (a mammogram plus another screening test) is that you may further raise your chances of finding cancer. But having more testing means that your chances for a false-positive result are higher. You may end up having tests that you don't need, such as a biopsy.

What might a doctor recommend?

If you have dense breasts but no other risk factors for breast cancer, a mammogram is the recommended test. There isn't enough evidence from studies to show that having other tests will help you.¹¹

If you have dense breasts and other risk factors for breast cancer, talk with your doctor to decide about screening. In some cases, if further screening is needed, a breast ultrasoundbreast ultrasound or MRIMRI may be done.

Team up with your doctor to decide what makes the most sense for you.

2. Compare your options

	Get a mammogram only	Get an MRI or ultrasound with your mammogram
What is usually involved?	You get a screening mammogrammammogram and breast exam. If the mammogram is hard to read or looks abnormal, you may be called in for another test, such as a breast ultrasoundbreast ultrasound. If you notice any changes in your breasts between mammograms, you see your doctor.	You get a mammogrammammogram plus a breast ultrasoundbreast ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). If the test results look abnormal, you may be called in for another test. If you notice any changes in your breasts between mammograms, you see your doctor.
What are the benefits?	A mammogram can show cancer that is too small for you or your doctor to feel. Even in dense breast tissue, it is the only test that can show tiny bits of calcium that can be a sign of cancer. A screening mammogram is a proven early-detection test for breast cancer.	An ultrasound can show if a lump seen on a mammogram is a harmless fluid-filled cyst or if it's something solid that might need a biopsybiopsy. Mammograms show tiny calcium signs of cancer that ultrasound and MRI do not. MRI shows breast tissue in detail and can find cancers that might not be seen on a mammogram.
What are the risks and side effects?	It can be hard to see cancer on a mammogram of dense breast tissue. A mammogram may miss some cancers (called a false-negative resultfalse-negative result). This is most likely to happen with dense breast tissue. A mammogram can find cancers that will never cause a problem. And it can show something that looks like a cancer when it's not (called a false-positive resultfalse-positive result). This can lead to unneeded tests (like a biopsybiopsy).	The chance of finding something that looks like cancer, but is not, is higher than with mammogram alone. This false-positive resultfalse-positive result can lead to unneeded tests, like a biopsy. False-positives are more common with MRI screening. The chance of finding cancer that will never cause a problem is higher than with a mammogram alone. This can lead to unneeded tests and even treatments. Breast cancer imaging may miss some cancers (called a false-negative resultfalse-negative result).

Personal stories

Personal stories about considering how to screen dense breasts for cancer

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

"When my sister got cancer, we learned that she and I both have the BRCA1 gene. That means that I have a high risk of getting breast cancer—bad breast cancer—like my sister and other women in our family have. It makes my dense breasts seem like nothing, especially since I get a mammogram and an MRI every year, anyway. I had a biopsy after one screening, which got me absolutely terrified. But so far, there's no cancer."

— Shawna, age 47

"When I learned from my mammogram results that I have dense breasts, I freaked out. I thought, "That's it. I'm going to get cancer." See, I'm one of those people who expects the worst. But thanks to my doctor, I've settled down on this one. My breasts aren't that dense, and the radiologist had no trouble seeing everything she needed to on the mammogram. If there's any trouble with reading my next mammogram, they'll just do an ultrasound afterward. Hopefully, it'll be that easy."

— Joelle, age 44

"A couple of years ago, I had a biopsy that shows a kind of cell change that could lead to cancer. Until I learned I have dense breasts, I figured that a mammogram every year was all I needed to keep an eye on it. My doctor and I read over my past mammogram reports and decided that I can have a breast ultrasound with my next mammogram and see if that gives a clear enough picture. If not, we'll go from there and talk about whether I need another test."

— Lisa, age 65

3. What matters most to you?

Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.

Reasons to have a mammogram only

Reasons to have a mammogram plus other testing

I'm not too worried about breast cancer. I do have dense breasts, but my doctor says I don't have any important risk factors.

I have a mother, sister, or daughter who's had breast cancer, so my cancer risk is high.

More important

Equally important

More important

My radiology report says that my breasts only have scattered areas of dense tissue, so I think a mammogram can do the job.

My radiology report says that my breasts are very dense, so I'm worried.

More important

Equally important

More important

I feel like getting mammograms and doing self-exams of my breasts are enough screening for me.

I want as much breast cancer screening as I can have, even if it means getting some false-positives.

More important

Equally important

More important

I'm concerned about the cost of the screening tests.

I'm not concerned about the cost of testing.

More important

Equally important

More important

My other important reasons:

More important

Equally important

More important

4. Where are you leaning now?

Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.

Having a mammogram only

Having a mammogram plus other screening testing

Leaning toward

Undecided

Leaning toward

Credits

By	Healthwise StaffHealthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board	Clinical Review BoardClinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

References

Citations

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2015). Management of women with dense breasts diagnosed by mammography. ACOG Committee Opinion No. 625. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 125(3): 750–751. DOI: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000461763.77781.79. Accessed April 3, 2015.

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To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.orgHealthwise.org.

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Individual and family medical and dental insurance plans are insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (CHLIC), Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Illinois, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of Georgia, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc., Cigna HealthCare of South Carolina, Inc., and Cigna HealthCare of Texas, Inc. Group health insurance and health benefit plans are insured or administered by CHLIC, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company (CGLIC), or their affiliates (see a listing of the legal entities a listing of the legal entities that insure or administer group HMO, dental HMO, and other products or services in your state). Accidental Injury, Critical Illness, and Hospital Care plans or insurance policies are distributed exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, are administered by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company, and are insured by either (i) Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (Bloomfield, CT); (ii) Life Insurance Company of North America (“LINA”) (Philadelphia, PA); or (iii) New York Life Group Insurance Company of NY (“NYLGICNY”) (New York, NY), formerly known as Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York. The Cigna name, logo, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. LINA and NYLGICNY are not affiliates of Cigna.

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Breast Cancer Screening and Dense Breasts: What Are My Options?

Breast Cancer Screening and Dense Breasts: What Are My Options?

1Get theFacts

2CompareOptions

3YourFeelings

4YourDecision

5QuizYourself

6YourSummary

Get the facts

Your options

Key points to remember

What are dense breasts? What are dense [link-slot] sup {font-size: 0.75em; line-height: normal !important; top: 0 !important;}breasts?

Why do I need to know about dense breasts? Why do I need to know about dense [link-slot] sup {font-size: 0.75em; line-height: normal !important; top: 0 !important;}breasts?

What about my breast cancer risk?What about my breast cancer [link-slot] sup {font-size: 0.75em; line-height: normal !important; top: 0 !important;}risk?

What tests are commonly used to screen dense breasts for breast cancer?What tests are commonly used to screen dense breasts for breast [link-slot] sup {font-size: 0.75em; line-height: normal !important; top: 0 !important;}cancer?

What are the risks of getting less testing versus the risks of getting more testing? What are the risks of getting less testing versus the risks of getting more [link-slot] sup {font-size: 0.75em; line-height: normal !important; top: 0 !important;}testing?

What are the benefits of getting less testing versus the benefits of getting more testing?What are the benefits of getting less testing versus the benefits of getting more [link-slot] sup {font-size: 0.75em; line-height: normal !important; top: 0 !important;}testing?

What might a doctor recommend?What might a doctor [link-slot] sup {font-size: 0.75em; line-height: normal !important; top: 0 !important;}recommend?

Credits and ReferencesCredits and [link-slot] sup {font-size: 0.75em; line-height: normal !important; top: 0 !important;}References

Related Links

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I want to...

Audiences

Secure Member Sites

The Cigna Group Information

Disclaimer

1
Get the
Facts

2
Compare
Options

3
Your
Feelings

4
Your
Decision

5
Quiz
Yourself

6
Your
Summary

What are dense breasts? What are dense breasts?

Why do I need to know about dense breasts? Why do I need to know about dense breasts?

What about my breast cancer risk?What about my breast cancer risk?

What tests are commonly used to screen dense breasts for breast cancer?What tests are commonly used to screen dense breasts for breast cancer?

What are the risks of getting less testing versus the risks of getting more testing? What are the risks of getting less testing versus the risks of getting more testing?

What are the benefits of getting less testing versus the benefits of getting more testing?What are the benefits of getting less testing versus the benefits of getting more testing?

What might a doctor recommend?What might a doctor recommend?

Credits and ReferencesCredits and References