Breast Density

Breast density alone may not be a strong risk factor for breast cancer, according to a new study. While previous studies have found an association between the two, this new research found no significant link in postmenopausal women.

The researchers examined nearly 53,000 mammograms performed on women between 50 and 69 years old over a five-year period. They ranked breast density according to standard criteria and determined the majority of participants had low breast density. Of the 230 cancers detected… nearly half were among women with the lowest ranked breast density and less than 3 percent came from women in the highest category. There was also no significant difference in tissue density between women with breast cancer and healthy participants in the control group.

One of the study authors says these findings suggest that “breast density alone might not be a strong independent risk factor for breast cancer.” She says all risk factors should be considered before decisions on additional examinations are made.