Are you dense? Be aware of the cancer risk you haven't heard of

A breast cancer patient that I’ve been corresponding with back east sent me this fascinating information linking breast tissue density and breast cancer. She has been ‘dogging’ this issue because, like me, she had very dense breast tissue which not only may of delayed the discovery of her breast cancer, but may have been an indicator of increased risk of breast cancer.

For many years, I was told how unusually dense my breast tissue was (“Yes, thanks. Ouch. I know.”) and that it make good clear mammograms difficult. I didn’t even realize that it might have pointed to an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

Fortunately, the state of Connecticutt is trying to do something about it, and has passed a law (P.A. 0941) that will inform women of breast density issues and what it may indicate for further screening and testing. This is a very positive step toward finding breast tumors before they become advanced - in my case Stage IIIa and dangerous.

Note:

If you are a woman in Nevada, remember that the GOP/TeaParty candidate for U.S. Senate, Sharron Angle, doesn’t believe that insurance companies, and certainly the state, should be mandated to do anything like what Connecticutt is doing. She would fight this on a national level, if elected. She has publicly opposed any sort of cancer screening mandates that save lives.

Here is an email, my contact, Teresa, received from the folks battling to get women this extra measure of care:

Hi. Thank you for writing to me - and sharing our common story.  I hear stories from women like us so often - that is why we do this work - as we need to ensure that the medical community TELLS women about their breast density. 

JoAnn Pushkin of New York has a similar story as ours - she is working with Senator John Flanagan of New York to enact a state bill similar to CT - and Congressman Steve Israel to sponsor legislation on the federal level.  You can contact her as she is garnering support of the bill.  Your support and assistance would be great - our stories are compelling and will lead to action.  

Her email is jpp@optonline.net. 

Stay well,

Nancy

Nancy M. Cappello, Ph.D.
President and Founder
Are You Dense, Inc.



A 501(c)(3) Public Charity

Follow Are You Dense on Facebook

Founding Member of D.E.N.S.E. (Density Education National Survivors’ Effort)

And this is a good article:

“It just might be the greatest cancer risk you’ve never heard of.”

Los Angeles Times

“Breast density linked to Cancer Risk”

Karen Ravn, 6/21/2010

BREAST DENSITY FACTS

• 2/3 of pre-menopausal and ¼ of post menopausal women have dense breast tissue
• Cancer is 5 times more likely in women with extremely dense breasts
• A mammogram will find only 48% of tumors in women with the densest breasts (and therefore elude early detection)
• Breast density is one of the strongest predictors of the failure of mammography screening to detect cancer
• Cancer recurrence is four times more likely in women with dense breasts

If a mammogram is supplemented with an ultrasound or MRI,

tumor detection rate increases at least 30%

The vast majority of women are utterly unaware of their own breast density.  A May 2010 national survey conducted by Harris Interactive found that 95 percent of women ages 40+ do not know their breast density and nearly 90 percent did not know it increases the risk of developing breast cancer. Why? Their doctors have never had a conversation with them about it.

Connecticut has passed a law (P.A. 0941) which dictates that :

 “all mammography reports given to a patient on and after October 1, 2009 to include information about breast density. When applicable, the report must include the following notice: If your mammogram demonstrates that you have dense breast tissue, which could hide small abnormalities, you might benefit from supplementary screening tests, which can include a breast ultrasound screening or a breast MRI examination, or both, depending on your individual risk factors”.

Raising awareness of breast density will increase the detection of early stage cancers – when they are most treatable. We would like to see similar law passed based on the groundbreaking legislation in Connecticut.

Update on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 22:14 by mavenandmeddler

BlueLyon mentioned Renown having new 3D Ultrasound technology. Here’s the website information:

Renown Health believes early detection is crucial to breast health. At Renown, you will receive the highest level of care with a team of highly trained physicians, nurses, and technologists and the most advanced technology and digital mammography.

INTRODUCING THE REGION’S ONLY 3D BREAST ULTRASOUND
Renown Breast Health Center now offers northern Nevada’s first and only 3D breast ultrasound, SonoCiné, a new technology that more accurately detects small cancers in women with dense breast tissue (40% of women seeking mammograms have dense breasts). This technology is approved by the FDA as an adjunct exam to mammography. When SonoCiné is added to mammography, 60% - 100% more cancers are detected. These small cancers, not found by mammography, would otherwise be missed until they are larger and less treatable. Learn more about SonoCiné.

Research shows early detection can increase breast cancer survival. Breast cancer screening can involve a number of different types of examinations, which include breast self examination, clinical breast examination, mammography, magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound. Mammography can detect cancer in its earliest stages – even before it can be felt during a physical breast examination.

Click here to schedule a mammogram or for more information about 3D breast ultrasound.

Renown Health offers two convenient mammogram locations. Call 775.982.8100 to schedule a mammogram
Renown Breast Health Center 901 E. 2nd Street, Reno	X-Ray & Imaging 6630 S. McCarran Blvd., Reno