What should a woman with dense breasts do?
Getting regular mammograms is especially important if you have dense breasts. Ask your doctor if you should get a digital mammogram. Compared to the traditional film test, digital mammography seems to be better at finding breast cancer in women who have dense breasts. But it is more expensive, and it’s not widely available. Experts disagree about the best age for women at average risk of breast cancer to start getting mammograms: • The American Cancer Society recommends that women have a mammogram and clinical breast exam every year starting at age 40. • The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) suggests that women start having mammograms at age 50 and repeat them every two years. This group also encourages women younger than 50 to talk to their doctor so they can make an informed decision about screening. These are general recommendations that do not take into account your personal or family medical history. Some women may need to start screening at an earlier age. Bottom line:
