Breast Density - Can it change?

Di_33

I am 64 years old and post-menopausal since age 55. My mammogram reports have always indicated "breast tissue is heterogeneously dense, which could obscure detection of small masses." Because of this, as well as my mother having had bilateral BC at ages 75 & 80, my OB-GYN doc always suggests an ABUS (automated breast ultrasound) ~ 6 months or so after my annual mammogram. My annual mammograms do include the 3D tomosynthesis.

I just received my latest mammogram report (good news, no problems found!) but the description about my breast tissue is now different. It simply says, "there are scattered fibroglandular densities." No mention of the usual "heterogeneously dense breasts." I think this is good news as well but am surprised that my breast tissue has changed. My mom, into her 80s, continued to have heterogeneously dense breasts so I just figured I would as well. Have any of you ladies had this happen? The only thing I can think of that may have caused this is that since early July, I have lost about 20 pounds via dieting & exercise (~ 13% of my body weight prior to July). Could that be a valid reason for the change?

Would appreciate your thoughts/comments.

Thanks!!

MelissaDallas

Hi Di_33. Glad you found us.

Yes, losing and gaining weight can change breast density, and a large percent of women(but certainly not all as your Mom demonstrates) have an ongoing reduction in breast density the further out from menopause they get. Less density is good-easier to read imaging, plus at least to some degree, less breast cancer risk