Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Dense breast tissue requires additional screening

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a good time to discuss screening options for women with dense breasts.

According to the National Cancer Institute, nearly 40 percent of women in the U.S., age 40 and older, have dense breasts — a condition that can impact the visibility and effectiveness of their yearly mammograms — and potentially raise their risk for breast cancer.

For these women, additional digital screening options, in addition to mammograms, can lead to better early detection of breast cancer.

The Invenia™ ABUS (Automated Breast Ultrasound System), an innovative, FDA-approved technology developed by GE Healthcare, was designed to help find cancer hidden in dense breast tissue. ABUS, in fact, has been shown to improve cancer detection by 35 percent over regular mammography in women with dense breasts.

What is dense breast tissue, and how can it affect your breast cancer risk?

Breasts are made of fat and tissue; when they are composed of more tissue than fat, they are considered dense. Usually, younger, thinner women have dense breasts, as well as those on estrogen therapy. Because both cancer and dense breast issue appear white on a mammogram, cancers in dense breasts can be “masked” during traditional mammography. Additionally, studies have shown that women on the high-end of the “breast density spectrum” — have a 10-year breast cancer risk that is 4 to 6 times higher than that of same-age women at the low-end of that scale.

So, there are different levels of breast density ranked on a scale? 

Yes, the radiologist who analyzes your mammogram determines the ratio of non-dense tissue to dense tissue and assigns a level of breast density. Levels of density are described using a system called Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS). The levels of density are often recorded in your mammogram report using letters that run from A (Almost entirely fatty) to D (Extremely dense). Statistically, one in 10 women is in either Category A or category D.

How does the ABUS system work?

An ABUS screening, which takes about 15 minutes, uses sound waves to create 3D pictures of the breast tissue. The primary benefit is that the radiologist is able to examine the entire breasts without the patient being impacted by additional radiation from a mammogram. Jefferson Health offers this screening tool.

Is Mammography still a useful tool in the detection of breast cancer?

Absolutely! In fact, mammography is the only effective tool we know that, across the board, detects breast cancer on a consistent basis. There have been many advancements in mammography in recent years, including 3D technology, which provides clearer, more detailed images than traditional 2D screenings. Some things are detected easier on a mammogram than they could be through touch, such as micro-calcifications (small calcium deposits that are often benign, but that can require additional study).

If your mammogram reveals you have dense breast tissue, talk to your physician about additional breast cancer screening.

In addition, it is essential to continue getting your yearly screening mammograms, clinical breast exams -- and do all you can to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Dr. Kahyun Yoon-Flannery, D.O., is Medical Director of Jefferson Health New Jersey Comprehensive Breast Center located at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center – Washington Township. She can be reached at 856-218-2100.