Yes. A “negative,” “benign,” or “normal” mammogram report does not mean cancer is not there. The denser the breast, the more likely it is that a cancer will not show on a mammogram.
| Category of Breast Density | Percent of Cancers That Will Not Show on a Mammogram |
|---|---|
| Extremely dense | 40% |
| Heterogeneously dense | 25% |
| Scattered fibroglandular | 15% |
| Fatty breasts | 10% © DenseBreast-info.org Rev. March 2022 |
Cancer can still be there even if the mammogram report is “normal.” You may want to have an additional screening test after your mammogram to help find cancer. These tests might include one of the following: Ultrasound, MRI, contrast-enhanced mammography or molecular breast imaging (MBI). If your mammogram shows dense breasts, talk with your health care provider about whether you should have an additional screening test after your mammogram.
Learn More:
- 5 Facts Every Woman Should Know
- Video Series: Let’s Talk About Dense Breasts
- Patient Risk Checklist (print)
- Patient Questions and Answers
References
1. Kerlikowske K, Zhu W, Tosteson AN, et al. Identifying women with dense breasts at high risk for interval cancer: a cohort study. Ann Intern Med 2015; 162:673-681
2. Wanders JO, Holland K, Veldhuis WB, et al. Volumetric breast density affects performance of digital screening mammography. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2017; 162:95-103