10/15/2025
❓ What does it mean to have dense breast tissue?
Mammograms remain the best tool for breast cancer screening and detection. But many women don’t realize that breast density can affect both their risk and how mammograms are read.
We spoke with Steven Scallon, MD, radiologist at Overlake, to answer some common questions:
➡️ Why does breast density matter? Dense tissue can make it harder to spot abnormalities on a mammogram and is linked to a slightly higher risk of breast cancer.
➡️ Who is more likely to have dense breasts? It’s common — nearly half of women over 40 have dense breast tissue. It can be influenced by age, genetics and hormone levels.
➡️ What should I do if I have dense breast tissue? Talk with your provider about your screening options. Sometimes additional imaging, like ultrasound or MRI, is recommended for extra clarity.
Knowledge is power — and knowing your breast density helps you and your care team make the best choices for your health. 💗
This week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that patients who get mammograms must be informed if they have dense breast tissue. We spoke to radiologist Steven Scallon, MD, to learn more about why breast density matters, who is more likely to have it and what steps women can take to pr...