Are Dense Breasts Risks

kellygh · October 2011

due to making cancer harder to detect or is there something about dense tissue that makes it a risk aside from making imaging more difficult? Research that discusses the risk(s) apart from imaging difficulties? Much thanks!

Panmars · October 2011

To my knowledge, it's just imaging difficulties, unless there is new research showing otherwise. I hope not. I have very dense breast tissue, and it was pure luck that a mammogram found my cancer early. Of the 4 views took, it showed on only 1, and then just barely. Kudos to my radiology team for spotting it.

Kimmer1975 · October 2011

Hey Kelly,

I was just checking your other thread to see if you had any more information! Any luck getting any more answers from the docs???

Del11 · October 2011

Here's an article that says tumors tend to be more aggressive in dense tissue.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110727161250.htm

Kaara · October 2011

In my reading research, I have come across thermography as a diagnostic tool for bc. There is no raidation involved and it shows up areas of concern well before they are visible on a mammogram, particularly for women with denser breasts. I don't think it diagnoses actual tumors, but would lead one to have further testing such as an MRI to be more definitive. I had an inconclusive US and it was recommended that I have further testing, so I think I am going to try this in advance of the MRI since I hate being in confined spaces.

kellygh · October 2011

Thanks for all the replies ladies! I read a lot about dense breasts making imaging more difficult, but I could have sworn I read an article or Q&A somewhere about dense breast tissue being a risk in & of itself. It was called the "silent risk factor," because so many doctors do not discuss it. I can't find that link again. I have an appt. with a breast surgeon on the 26th. I wanted to arm myself with good information, research if possible, but I'm not really sure what's the point. I'm sure Dr. Flippo is aware of the info, but it won't change the fact that Aetna does not cover MRIs for dense breast tissue. Aetna's policy sheet states dense breast tissue is not a reason to have an MRI. I'm guessing that is standard policy for many insurance companies? We pay a lot of $$ per month for top-of-the-line plan, but it doesn't matter. I'm just glad I picked up the offical report from the radiologist, because I probably would have never known I have "extremely dense" breasts. Thank you, Kimmer, for asking about any answers. I will be sure to post what the doc says on the 26th. BTW, congrats on your b9 results!!! Wonderful news Smile

I had been following your posts & was so glad to see "not cancer!" P.S.--anyone from the Charlotte, NC area familiar with Dr. Flippo?

Springtime · October 2011

Hi ladies, I had very dense breasts and mammogram missed a tumor for 10 years, they estimate. 10+ years of faithful mammograms saw *nothing*!! Even a diagnostic mammogram - nothing. Even ultrasound in my case only saw a murky "line". It was very deep inside and finally, it was large enough to be felt at 6.7 CM - this is how it was discovered. I too have bene following the Density movement.

I don't know if this has already been shared here (I didn't read all) so forgive me if you have already seen this. But this is so important and a chance to make a difference. Here goes:

For those of you here have dense breast tissue that caused mammogram to miss your tumor, there is an opportunity to share your "story" to impact change. On Nov. 4th, the Mammography Advisory Committee (governed by the FDA) is meeting to discuss the Mammography Quality Standards Act. If you are a woman with dense breast tissue and received a late stage diagnosis of breast cancer, please send an email to the two listed below to urge them to include breast density information on the patient's report.

FDA rep: Shanika.Craig@fda.hhs.gov
JoAnn Pushkin (Density advocate): dense-ny@optonline.net
JoAnn is attending the hearing and bringing copies of all the letters

I have sent an email, as have others, and I do hope there is a storm of emails! If you feel so led, please consider sending your "story". I will insert an example below.

==============

This letter was posted publically on the DENSE CA facebook group. Sharing here as I found this an excellent example when I was putting together my email:

================

"Dear Ms. Craig & Mammography Advisory Committee,I am writing to strongly urge the committee to update the language in the Guidance Document to include the reporting of breast density to the patient.In 2009 at the age of 47, I was diagnosed with an advanced stage breast cancer after 7 years of "normal" annual mammograms. 5 surgeries, 16 rounds of chemotherapy and 6 weeks of daily radiation later, I am now forced to cope with the aftermath every single day. My diagnosis was delayed because I have extremely dense breast tissue which obscured the 3 invasive tumors that were hiding in my breast, threatening my life. The radiologist at the mammography center knew about my breast density, as did my referring physician. Why was I was the only one who did not know this critical information about my own physiology?After my diagnosis, I learned that there are over 42 scientific, medical peer-reviewed studies which all conclude the drastically reduced rate of detection of cancer in dense breast tissue by mammography. I also learned that dense breast tissue is a significant risk factor in developing cancer. It is unacceptable that I was never informed of this information and never had the chance to engage in a discussion with my physician about my personal risk factors and options for further imaging. Had I been informed, I would have received an earlier stage diagnosis, required less brutal treatment, and faced a more favorable prognosis going forward.It's too late for me and countless others, but right now you can prevent other women from suffering the same, needless tragedy. The medical community has been well aware of this problem for 30 years making it long overdue that the screening protocol for high breast density is changed to reflect the current information. I urge you to strongly consider the rights of all women to know information about their own bodies which will enable them to actively participate in their own health maintenance. You can do this now by including breast density assessment on the patient's report.Sincerely,Amy Colton, R.N."

Springtime · November 2011

Help! You can do this!

The FDA hearing (Nov 4 2011) on dense breast tissue and mammograms was a huge success. I received an email from JoAnn (Density advocate) tonight.

Please consider sending quick note to your congressperson (easy to do following the link) and ask for their support of Federal Bill HR3012 (The Breast Density and Mammography Reporting Act of 2011) https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml
Email from JoAnn: UPDATE:Wonderful news! You were kind enough to voice your support of an amendment to federal requirements for the inclusion of breast density in the letter sent to women after their mammograms. Last week Are You Dense Advocacy testified before the FDA’s Mammography Quality Standards Act Advisory Committee. Testifying were patients, researchers, practicing radiologists and national advocacy groups (Komen Advocacy Alliance, among them) who all voiced their strong support of inclusion of density in the patient letter. The FDA official in charge of the meeting commented on “all those letters” received in favor from around the country. The result? The FDA Advisory Panel concurred that density information SHOULD be included in letter sent to patient. The FDA has asked Are You Dense Advocacy to submit suggested language as they contemplate a final recommendation. We remain optimistic this will continue its forward movement. PLEASE KNOW THAT YOU WERE PART OF THE IMPETUS FOR THIS RECOMMENDATION. INDEED, IT PROVES THE POWER OF ONE. As a regulatory solution may yet take time, we will continue with legislative efforts on both the state and federal level. So, one more favor to ask. Can you please contact your congressperson: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

and ask for their support of Federal Bill HR3102 (The Breast Density and Mammography Reporting Act of 2011). Congressional members have – literally – hundreds of bills sitting in their computers, sometimes all it takes is for ONE constituent to show interest in something, for them to support/cosponsor it.

Are Dense Breasts Risks

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