Yes I have density and usually get called back every few years but bout 50-60 percent of women ages 40-44 have dense breasts, compared to 20-30 percent of women ages 70-74. About 50-60 percent of healthy weight women have dense breasts, compared to 20-30 percent of obese women. Medications that contain hormones can also affect breast density. Just so you know.

I do and I get the 3D mammograms and I also get an ultrasound right after. A doctor than physically checks me.

I do my GYN 6 months from this so that this doctor is also manually checking.

There are so many studies. Although my older sister has had breast cancer, I feel her circumstances are different than mine.

That said, I feel anyone can get anything so it's best to err on the side of caution.

I do and so does my DD. We both have started getting the 3D mammography. There is no history of breast cancer in our family but I’d rather be cautious and use the best technology available in addition to self exams and the one the doctor performs.

As someone currently fighting the breast cancer battle, I have learned a lot in the past few months. Dense breast tissue shows up white on mammograms as does cancer. This is why they don't recommend mammograms to women under 40 as their tissue tends to be dense. It has been recommended for my dense breasted DD's to have MRIs to look for cancer.

I was genetically tested for breast cancer and some other cancers Wednesday. My demographics make me not likely to carry the BRCA genes but there are many other breast cancers genes. The outcome of testing will determine what and when my DD's (who are currently in their late 20's) will begin testing and also make their insurance cover any surveillance.

Only 12% of all breast cancers are the result of the genes currently known, so 88% of all breast cancers occur in women whose family have no genetic history of breast cancer. Also, any age or gender can develop breast cancer. Don't assume that because you are young or male that you can ignore self-examination.

I've never heard of a 3D mammogram. I will have to inquire. RNmom, I wish you and your family strength as you deal with your cancer. Seagrass, 10 years is a long journey. I appreciate those positive thoughts.

Thanks for the reminder, fun2BHere. I come from a line of very long-lived, independent women and I tend to take my health for granted. My doctor was just chastising me for missing my last 2 physicals.

My doctor told me that dense breast tissue is really the norm. I have no history of breast cancer but still have a 3D mammo and a sonogram every year. The last time I went for a mammo the radiologist came into the room and redid the sonogram and did a manual exam. I had just had mastitis so they were being very careful. I see both a gyn and a breast specialist every year since I found a non cancerous tumor in 1994. I was in my mid thirties. The breast doctor suggest I come in once a year as gyn's specialty are not breast. It made sense to me. Please take care of yourself and ask for a follow up sonogram if the doctor hasn't already suggested it.

My mammogram reports for a number of years have noted that I have dense breasts, so I don't know how new these notifications are. One of my friends however, said that her latest mammogram report suggested that she consider breast MRIs for her dense breasts.

I have had 3D mamograms for at least 3-4 years. Prior to that, my GYN would order a regular mamogram and a breast ultrasound.

Rather, so your doctor feels the 3D is enough and has eliminated the ultrasound? I thought they did two different things.

(((HigRNmom))))

No, I have <25% density, but I think the 3D is becoming more the norm. My friend who has dense breasts has had regular ultrasounds and MRI in the past .

RN and seagrass, sending positive thoughts.

Daisy--I first heard about 3D this past year when I was scheduled for my annual mamogram. Some Insurance covers it--some does not. The cost wasn't prohibitive as I recall if you just opt to pay out of pocket for it. I am surprised to hear it's been around for as many years as ratherbesewing has gotten it.

I have asked if the 3D is superior and she has said that's all I need.

According to Mr. Google, the 3D mammogram was approved by the FDA in 2011. To clarify MY history, I needed a breast biopsy about 12 (?) years ago mainly due to calcifications. All was fine and GYN would write my future mammogram + ultrasounds script until there was the 3D option. As I remember, the 3D option used to cast me a little $, but now it is covered.

When I was young and thin I needed an ultrasound after every mammogram. After 45 I just seem to need the standard mammograms. So I think you can develop and lose dense breast tissue. I am in the states and have been having recommended yearly mammograms since I was 35( too often I believe but that was the recommendation followed by the AGA at the time) and the dense tissue issue was discussed with me in the early 2000s. I was told that even in low risk patients having dense tissue increased the risk of having breast cancer so be sure to stay on top of your recommended schedule for screening.

I just had a mammogram today, and was told I have dense tissue, too. This is the first time I can recall being made aware of it. It was also recommended that I discuss an ultrasound with my doctor, which I will. The technician said that women who breastfeed often end up with dense tissue.

Thoughts to all of you who have dealt with or are dealing with breast cancer.

My breasts are somewhat dense and I have the 3D mammograms also. Insurance covers.

This is so interesting. I re-read the letter and it says that they have only started notifying women of this in my province since June of this year. I tried googling 3D mammograms in my city and got zilch. I will ask my doctor at my next appt. It seems my province may be a bit behind the times.

Daisy, I'm in a rather progressive area in terms of medical care and research, and this was only pointed out to me yesterday. It's either something new all over... or having read this thread put it on my radar. But the technician showed me where it was noted in my paperwork--I didn't prompt her on it. She purposefully pointed it out to me.

First time for me to be notified of this as well. I have to go back for further testing.

Are there new guidelines in effect, perhaps?