US requires density information to be given on mammograms

Approximately half of women over the age of 40 have dense breasts, with less fatty tissue and more connective and glandular tissue. That tissue appears white on X-rays, the same color as breast tumors, making mammograms difficult to read. Dense breast tissue is one of the factors that can increase a woman’s chances of developing cancer.

Under the new rules, women with dense breasts will receive a written note alerting them that their condition “makes it difficult to detect breast cancer.” Those patients will also be directed to talk to their doctor about the results.

Professional guidelines do not specify what steps to take for women with dense breasts, but some doctors may recommend other forms of examination, such as ultrasound or MRI.

The Associated Press Department of Health and Science receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Education Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.