Density Matters: What you need to know before your next mammogram

Do you have dense breasts?? Would you even know if you did? The truth is, the only way to find out for sure is for a radiologist to read your mammogram and make an annotation to your chart. Your breast density matters and understanding your breast density could save your life... so listen up.

Dense breast tissue increases breast cancer risk and can conceal tumors! Getting your annual mammogram may not be enough to detect cancer. My guest Leslie Yerger learned this the hard way.

6 1/2 years ago Leslie was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer just two months after having an all-clear mammogram and ultrasound. She was shocked, "How could this be!"   Well, it turns out that the error rate on mammograms is real. If you have dense breasts a mammogram can be like shining a light through concrete. Or to put it another way, it's like trying to find a polar bear in a snow storm -- it becomes a big game of Where's Waldo.

• 20% of dense breasts get misdiagnosed at mammogram
• 35% of the time radiologists miss it on a mammogram

So, I always say, ask for the ultrasound! But even the ultrasound can miss cancer in dense breasts

• Ultrasound will find 2-3 more breast cancers per 1000 in women with Dense Breasts. (that's a drop in the bucket)
• MRIs find 9-15 more cancers per 1000

That tells you what we're missing. A breast MRI should be a standard of care, but it's not...

 

So what can you do to reduce your risk of a missed or delayed diagnosis? That's where MyDensity Matters comes in. Their website, app, and SMS-based service serve up life-saving resources.

• To begin with, their Breast Cancer Screening Guide will let you know if you are more at risk; so even if you're not yet 40, you should take this screener and if you turn out to be high risk, ask your doctor for a mammogram sooner.
• Next, Check Your Chart. If you have dense breasts, your radiologist should have indicated that in your chart. MyDensity Matters even tells you what words to look for, and offers guides to help you talk to your physician and ask for additional screening.

The big takeaway here is that you have to advocate for yourself, and MyDensity Matters gives you the tools to do that. Remember, as wonderful as they are, doctors make mistakes too; do not be afraid to find a new doctor if you're not getting the tests you need. (Leslie suggests finding a breast surgeon as they are true specialists and they tend to listen more to people who are at high risk.)

Learn more about your best density and associated risks and screening protocols today. For more information visit:   MyDensity Matters https://mydensitymatters.org/   Check Your Chart  https://mydensitymatters.org/programs/check-your-chart/ Or, Text "Check Your Chart" to 211411   Breast Cancer Screening Guide  https://mydensitymatters.org/breast-cancer-screening-guide Get next steps based on your age and risk factors   Know Your Options https://mydensitymatters.org/know-your-options/ Learn which screening options are best for your breasts   My Story Matters Hundreds of stories of people who had a delayed diagnosis. https://mydensitymatters.org/programs/my-story-matters/   BCRuckus https://www.bcruckus.org/ More about breast density   ArmorUp for Life https://armorupforlife.org/   If you know someone who could benefit from this information, please share this episode with them.