As we gather to mark this event, it’s essential to reflect on how far we’ve come in the journey towards eradicating the shadows that cancer casts. At iCAD, we’re committed to creating a world where cancer can’t hide. And this year, we have some exciting developments to share, especially concerning one of the strongest and most prevalent breast cancer risk factors—dense breasts.
Dense breasts refer to breast tissue that has less fat and more glandular or fibrous tissue, making it appear white on a mammogram. While having dense breasts is entirely normal, it is associated with an elevated risk of breast cancer and can make it more challenging to detect abnormalities on a mammogram.
This year’s World Breast Density Day is particularly significant because it follows the FDA’s recent decision to implement a national “dense breast” reporting requirement, set to go into effect in September 2024. This landmark regulation is a game-changer in the realm of breast health. It mandates that healthcare providers inform women if they have dense breast tissue, shedding light on a previously undisclosed aspect of their breast health.
What should you do if you’re informed that you have dense breasts? First and foremost, remember that knowledge is power. Being aware of your breast density allows you to take proactive steps to protect your health. Here are some essential tips:
- Speak to Your Healthcare Provider: Engage in an open and honest conversation with your healthcare provider about your risk factors, including breast density, and any additional screening options that might be appropriate for you.
- Stay Informed: Educate yourself about breast density and its implications. Knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions about your health.
- Regular Screening: Continue with routine mammograms as recommended by your healthcare provider. Mammograms remain an essential tool in detecting breast cancer early, even for women with dense breasts.
- Consider Additional Screening: Depending on your individual risk factors and breast density, your healthcare provider may recommend additional screening methods such as ultrasound or MRI.
- Support and Advocate: Share your knowledge with friends and family. Advocate for breast health awareness and early detection within your community.
iCAD is honored to support World Breast Density Day and DenseBreast-info in their mission to raise awareness and provide valuable information to women around the world. Together, we can shine a light on breast density, dispel the shadows of uncertainty, and create a world where cancer can’t hide.
Discover how Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered mammograms are helping to standardize breast density assessment.