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A Cleveland Clinic doctor breaks it down.

Early detection and regular check-ups are important for cancer prevention. It is also important to educate yourself on dangerous situations and know what to look for.

Many women are unaware that having dense breasts increases their risk of developing breast cancer, a new study has found. In fact, it increases a person’s risk by one to four times.

More than 2,300 women were surveyed and interviewed about their perception of dense breasts as a risk factor for breast cancer. They were also asked whether having dense breasts puts them at greater risk than having a relative with breast cancer, and what can help reduce a person’s risk of developing breast cancer.

The results show that women believe family history is the biggest risk factor, and few believe that breast density increases the risk of breast cancer.

Given this lack of awareness, “general education about breast cancer risks and prevention strategies is needed,” say the study authors.

Why having dense breasts increases the risk of developing breast cancer

Breasts are composed of fibroglandular tissue (milk ducts, lobules, and connective tissue) and fat. Breast density is used to describe the amount of fibroglandular tissue a patient has in their breast. If there is more fibroglandular tissue than fat, the breasts are said to be “dense”. Dr. Laura B. Shepardson, MD, MS; and head of breast imaging at the Cleveland Clinic explains.

50% of the population between the ages of 50 and 74 have dense breast tissue. And while it’s clear that patients with dense breast tissue are 1 to 4 times more likely to develop breast cancer than patients with less fibroglandular tissue, it’s not clear why, Dr. Shepardson explains. One theory is that breast cancers develop in fibroglandular tissue cells. Therefore, a patient with more fibroglandular tissue, more cells are more likely to turn into cancer.

Another reason breast density is important is that if a woman has dense breast tissue, breast cancers may not show up well on a mammogram, Dr. Shepardson added. Fibroglandular tissue is white on a mammogram. Because cancers are white, dense white tissue can “hide” breast cancer, making it very difficult for the radiologist – the doctor who interprets the mammogram – to see it.

RELATED: The 9 Biggest Signs of Breast Cancer in Women – And When to See a Doctor

How to help if you have dense breasts

Breast density is based on the appearance of the mammography, not the sensation of the breasts. When a radiologist reads a mammogram, she/he classifies breast density.

Radiologists classify density using four categories based on the percentage of fibroglandular tissue (white on mammograms) compared to fat (gray on mammograms) in the breast, Dr. Shepardson explains. Fortunately, many states have now passed laws requiring radiologists to inform patients if they have dense breast tissue.

Action steps for screening

It’s never too early to start talking about breast health with your healthcare provider, says Dr. Shepardson. She/he can assess your risk of breast cancer and, with your input, develop a breast cancer screening method that works for you.

Dr. Shepardson says, “Because younger patients have denser breast tissue and early detection is key, I recommend that all patients have annual screening starting at age 40.” “If a patient knows they have dense breasts, I recommend talking with their provider about other screening tests, including a full breast ultrasound and/or MRI.”

Next: These are the different stages of breast cancer—and what each one means.

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