Dense breasts are normal and common and can change over time. Younger women tend to
have denser breasts. Breasts tend to become less dense around menopause when estrogen
(a hormone) levels drop.
Why do dense breasts matter?
Dense breasts matter because dense tissue can hide cancer on a mammogram. Dense breasts also increase the risk of developing breast cancer. If you have dense breasts, you may need another test in addition to your mammogram to find cancer (if present).
For more information, see “Dense Breasts: 5 Facts You Should Know”
Learn More:
- 5 Facts Every Woman Should Know
- Video Series: Let’s Talk About Dense Breasts
- Patient Risk Checklist (print)
- Patient Questions and Answers