World Dense Breast Day: What You Need to Know About Dense Breasts and Proper Support

What are Dense Breasts?

With September 25th being World Dense Breast Day, there’s no better time to discuss what it means to have “dense breast tissue.” Dense breast tissues refers to the amount of fibrous and glandular tissue in comparison to fatty tissue as seen on a mammogram. If a woman has more glandular and fibrous tissue and less fatty tissue, then she is said to have dense breasts.

In mammograms, a common finding, as nearly 40-50% of women have dense breast tissue. However, iIt’s important to know whether your breasts are dense because dense breast tissue can make it harder to detect abnormalities, like lumps or masses, on a mammogram.

So, how do you know if you have dense breasts?

Breast density is not something you can feel, so it requires medical imaging, such as a mammogram, to determine. After a mammogram, the radiologist will categorize breast density into four groups:

• Almost entirely fatty: Low density, mostly fatty tissue.
• Scattered areas of fibroglandular density: Some dense tissue, but mostly fat.
• Heterogeneously dense: More areas of dense tissue, which could obscure small masses.
• Extremely dense: Most of the breast is dense tissue, making it harder to detect abnormalities.

If your report says, "heterogeneously dense" or "extremely dense," then you have dense breasts. In most regions, if your mammogram shows dense breasts, then your healthcare provider is required by law to inform you. This will typically come as a letter after your mammogram.

It is also important to note that while breast density can't be determined by touch, there are some factors that may or may not increase your likelihood of having dense breasts including:

• Being younger (breasts tend to become less dense with age)
• Using hormone replacement therapy
• Having a lower body mass index (BMI), as fatty tissue is less dense.

Why is Breast Density Important?

World Dense Breast Day is an important annual reminder to have your mammogram completed because knowing your breast density is essential for understanding your breast cancer risks. For instance, women with dense breasts have a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to women with less dense breasts. More so, dense tissue can obscure cancers on mammograms, making early detection more challenging.

For this reason, it's crucial to stay proactive about breast health, understand your mammogram results, and discuss any additional screening options with your doctor if necessary. Some women with dense breasts might be advised to consider supplemental imaging, such as ultrasound or MRI, to ensure any changes are detected early.

How Does Breast Density Affect Bra Fitting?

While dense breast tissue doesn’t directly affect the type of bra you should wear, having the right support is essential for comfort and overall breast health. However, bras for dDense breasts are more likely to be designed to provide a better fit because dense breasts tend to be firmer and fuller., And unfortunately, this can make finding the right bra a bit more challenging. If you have dense breasts, then here are some tips to help ensure your bra provides proper support:

• Full-Coverage Bras: Dense breasts can feel heavier, so a full-coverage bra is often a great choice because it offers better support, especially for larger cup sizes. The Monica Full coverage bra from AnaOno can offer great support here!
• Wide Straps and Band: Bras with wide straps and a sturdy band are better able to distribute weight evenly, thus reducing shoulder strain and ensuring a more comfortable fit for someone with dense breasts.
• Sports Bras: For women with dense breasts, high-impact sports bras can offer the additional support needed during exercise. This type of bra, discomfort and breast movement. AnaOno’s Bianca Sports Bra is a great comfortable choice.

Choosing the Right Bra for Dense Breasts

• Material Matters: Bras made from high-quality, breathable materials like cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics can improve comfort for women with dense breasts. Avoid bras that feel too tight or compressive, as this can lead to discomfort or irritation.

• Post-Surgery Bras: If you’ve had breast surgery, such as a lumpectomy or mastectomy due to breast cancer, there are specialized bras designed to accommodate changes in breast shape and tissue density. AnaOno offers a variety of post-surgery bras that provide comfort, style, and support, tailored to women’s specific needs during recovery and beyond.

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Advocating for Breast Health

World Dense Breast Day serves as a powerful reminder to advocate for your breast health. If you have dense breasts, it’s important to discuss with your healthcare provider whether additional screening might be necessary. Early detection and prevention are key and understanding your breast density can be the first step towards making informed decisions about your health.

Whether you have dense breast tissue or not, it’s essential to choose bras that provide the right support, comfort, and fit. If you’re unsure about your breast density, speak to your healthcare provider and make sure to stay vigilant with regular screenings. On World Dense Breast Day, let’s raise awareness and empower women to take control of their breast health.