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Dense breast tissue is made up of thick fibrous tissue and milk glands. It's different from fatty breast tissue, but both kinds of tissue are normal. You can learn how dense your breasts are from your mammogram report.
Dense breast tissue can make cancer harder to see on a mammogram. That's because dense tissue looks white onscreen, just like cancer does.
Things that can affect breast density include family history (genetics), being pregnant, and using estrogen hormone therapy. Age can also make a difference—breast tissue in younger women tends to be denser than in older women who have been through menopause.
Current as of: April 30, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review BoardAll Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
