Breast cancer is the top-ranking cancer in India. Since the Indian population is predominantly young, the incidence of this ailment is expected to rise. Unfortunately, one woman dies of every two women diagnosed with the cancer of breasts. The good news is that this cancer can be prevented with early diagnosis and awareness. There are several aspects of breast health that you need to recognize. One such aspect is – breast density.
In this article, Dr Rohan Khandelwal, a renowned breast cancer surgeon in Gurgaon, talks about the importance of breast density and its relation to cancer.
What is breast density?
The internal structure of a woman’s breasts is built of three types of tissues – fibrous, glandular and fatty tissues.
Fibrous tissues are responsible for holding the breast in its place. Glandular tissues are the section for milk production. Fatty tissues are simply the amount of fat present in the breast. Each woman has a varying measure of the above-given tissues.
Breast density is the proportion of connective fibre and glandular tissues compared to the fatty tissues.
How do I know if I have dense breasts?
Breast density cannot be identified by simply looking or feeling breasts. A screening test called mammography is used for the detection of dense breast tissue.
Simply put, a mammogram is an X-ray image of the breast. In this imaging technique, your doctor makes use of low-dose of ionizing radiations to get clear images of the breast tissues.
Breasts are categorized as dense if the amount of fat is more than connective and glandular tissues. Having dense breasts is common in younger women.
There are majorly four classifications of breast density in women:
- Almost entirely fatty tissues – When breasts are almost entirely composed of fatty tissues
- Scattered areas of fibre and glandular tissues – When dense fibrous and glandular tissues are present in small areas across the breast.
- Heterogeneously dense – When large areas of dense fibrous and glandular tissues are scattered evenly across the breast.
- Extremely dense breasts – When the breast is almost entirely composed of fibrous and glandular tissues.
Higher the amount of fibro-glandular tissues, the higher the breast density. Therefore, the first two are considered as low-density while the last two are high-density breasts.
What is the importance of knowing breast density?
Women who are predisposed to a higher risk of developing breast cancer should gain a better understanding of their breast density.
There is a crucial link between breast density and cancer. The exact reason behind this interplay is not known.
There are two major risks associated with high breast density:
Increased risk of breast cancer – Breast density is one of the top risk factors for the growth of cancer cells in the breast. Women with highly dense breasts have an increased risk of cancer as compared to women with low breast density. It is important to have regular screenings for the early detection of cancer.
Increased risk of missing cancer cells – Dense breast tissue and cancer cells both appear white on a mammogram. This imaging test is not enough to identify cancer cells in highly dense breasts. In such cases, additional tests are indicated for the diagnosis of cancer.
What should I do if I have dense breasts?
Regular screenings can help you identify the density of your breasts. However, even if you have dense breasts, you should not panic. High breast density is not the only criterion for the presence of breast cancer.
There are other risk factors for the development of this cancer. These include – family history of cancer, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, personal breast health, history of radiation exposure, early menopause, getting periods early and more.
High breast density is very common. A few lifestyle factors also contribute to having dense breasts – high body mass index, inheritance, excessive alcohol consumption, hormone replacement therapy and more. You are more likely to have a dense breast if you are young, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Since mammogram is not a reliable technique for screening of cancer for high-density breasts, your healthcare provider would recommend some of the following given tests:
Breast ultrasound – An ultrasound scan of the breasts uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the insides of the breast. It is a painless diagnostic method.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) – For a thorough evaluation of the breast tissues, your doctor may also indicate a breast MRI. MRI is a computer-assisted technique that enables the production of multiple pictures of the breast.
You may be indicated for more screening and diagnostic tests such as a biopsy to confirm breast cancer. Your doctor would analyse your overall health, risk factors and symptoms before ordering specific tests.
How can I prevent the risk of breast cancer with dense breasts?
If you have highly dense breasts, you should stay on the lookout for cancer. Thankfully, some risk factors for breast cancer can be modified for prevention.
Here are some steps you can take to prevent breast cancer with dense breasts:
- Eat a healthy diet – A healthful diet is essential to your entire wellbeing. You should eat more high-fibre food products and ensure to consume all the nutrients.
- Be aware of breast changes – You must get yourself screened regularly. It is important to be wary of the ‘masking effect of the dense breast’. Self-exam for breast cancer becomes even more necessary if you have dense breasts. You should consult your doctor instantly upon noticing any change in the size, shape or appearance of your breasts.
- Exercise most days of the week – Cancer development can be hindered with a healthy lifestyle that constitutes exercising. If not all, you should exercise most days of the week.
- Do not smoke – Cigarette smoking can add up to the risk of breast cancer. Avoid smoking or any other form of tobacco consumption.
- Maintain a healthy body – A high BMI also contributes to high breast density. It is important to avoid being overweight for the prevention of breast cancer.
- Breastfeed, if possible – It is a proven fact that breastfeeding can help reduce the likelihood of cancer cell growth in the breast. If you have the opportunity to breastfeed your baby, you should choose in favour of it.
The Concluding Note
When you have a high breast density, the primary step you can take is to make sure to minimize the influence of other risk factors. High breast density does not always indicate breast cancer but it also does not rule out the possibility.
This phenomenon raises the significance of routine breast cancer screenings for all women, especially the ones with dense breasts.
To learn more about breast cancer risk factors, you can book an appointment with Dr Rohan Khandelwal at the CK Birla Hospital – best breast cancer hospital in Gurgaon.
