Breast Density Awareness Varies Among American Women
Awareness of breast tissue density issues varies among American women. Researchers from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota recently performed a national, cross-sectional survey to gauge differences in breast density knowledge across different patient populations.
Breast Tissue Density awareness
Approximately 1,500 women responded to the survey and results were published in Journal of Clinical Oncology. Based on results, researchers determined that race and ethnicity, education and income played a role in how likely a woman was to understand breast tissue density issues.
- 58 percent of respondents had heard of breast density.
- 49 percent were aware breast cancer detection can be affected by breast density.
- 53 percent were aware that dense breast tissue is a risk factor for breast cancer.
Based on an examination of results according to race and ethnicity, researchers determined that non-Hispanic white women were most likely to be aware of breast density issues. They also determined that women with higher income levels and high levels of educations were more likely to be aware of breast density issues. Women with experience receiving a diagnostic breast evaluation or postmenopausal hormone therapy were also more likely to have greater awareness.
Is breast density legislation improving awareness?
In a promising finding, researchers noted that women from Connecticut were generally more aware of breast density issues than women from other locations. In 2009, Connecticut became the first state to pass legislation requiring physicians to inform women when mammogram revealed dense breast tissue. Since then, 21 states have passed similar legislation and these results suggest these laws can help to improve awareness surrounding breast density.
Researchers who conducted another recent study concluded that breast density legislation in California had not had a significant effect on awareness. However, this survey suggests that these laws may help to improve awareness over time.
Physicians can help to improve breast tissue density awareness by taking time to make sure their patients understand these issues. At Breastlink, we are committed to sharing accurate and accessible information about breast tissue density to help our patients make better decisions about their breast health care.
To learn more about the relationship between dense breast tissue, breast cancer risk, and breast cancer screening, please contact us.
I have this issue with breast density plus my Mom had breast cancer. I would like to know more about how to prevent cancer of the breast.
Hi Anita, thanks for leaving a comment. I understand why you would like to learn more on how to prevent the possibility of breast cancer. It is important for women to empower themselves with information about their unique breast cancer risk factors. If you live or work in Southern California I encourage you to contact one of our centers about our Risk Assessment Program. We can go through your family history and your health history and determine your own individual risk. We can also make a plan just for you – in terms of imaging and overall breast health. http://www.breastlink.com/services/risk-assessment-program. If you are 40 or older, we should start with a mammogram.
I would also like to encourage you to read Dr. Curcio’s post on family history and breast cancer she shared last September http://www.breastlink.com/blog/family-history-of-breast-cancer.
Best, Dr. Kubaska