Did you know a clear mammogram doesn’t always mean you’re cancer-free?
New research by GenesisCare reveals 83% of women don’t realise a clear mammogram result may not detect cancer in dense breast tissue.
While mammograms are an essential screening tool, dense breast tissue can make it difficult to spot abnormalities.
What is breast density?
Breast density refers to the proportion of fibroglandular tissue versus fatty tissue in the breast. Denser breasts have more glandular and connective tissue, making it harder to detect tumours on a mammogram.
Half of women over 40 have dense breasts—but 92% are not aware of this.
Women with extremely dense breasts are six times more likely to develop breast cancer than those with fatty breasts.
Only 5% of women know their breast density category.
Empowering women through knowledge
New research by GenesisCare reveals 83% of women don’t realise a clear mammogram result may not detect cancer in dense breast tissue.
While mammograms are an essential screening tool, dense breast tissue can make it difficult to spot abnormalities.
How do I know if I have dense breasts?
Breast density isn’t something you can determine through self-exams or clinical exams, but you can find out from your mammogram. Unlike other healthcare providers in the UK, at GenesisCare, we automatically let all our patients know if they have dense breasts and whether MRI is recommended.
Dense Breast Diagnostic Service
Exclusively at GenesisCare, we offer rapid MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans for women with dense breasts. It's an advanced screening technique which is better able to detect breast cancer in women with dense breast tissue than a standard mammogram or ultrasound. Our rapid MRI has the same sensitivity of cancer detection as a standard MRI but takes less time – just 10 –15 minutes and is less expensive.
✅ We’re providing all women undergoing a mammogram with their breast density score.
✅ We’re providing a rapid breast MRI screening service for women with dense breasts— available privately at GenesisCare centres in Oxford and Windsor.
Book an appointment
Call our experienced team for fast access to an appointment and results within five working days, with no need for a GP referral.
Unlike in the U.S., where all women are informed about their breast density, the UK does not yet follow this protocol. A third (35%) of UK women believe this should be standard practice.
Detecting breast cancer early is vital so that women can get the treatment they need as soon as possible. GenesisCare has committed to telling women about their breast density following their mammogram so that further investigation can take place if needed
Miss Harleen Deol, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon and Specialist Advisor at GenesisCare,
Questions to ask your consultant
1. What is my breast density?
Breast density is categorised into four groups: A, B, C, and D. Breasts are considered dense if they fall into categories C or D
2. How does my breast density affect my risk of breast cancer?
3. Will my mammogram be less effective because of my breast density?
4. Are there any additional screening options available for me (such as MRI)?
5. Request your mammogram report and specifically ask for details about your breast density.
Why choose GenesisCare?
At GenesisCare, we provide:
✔ Rapid access to a consultant breast surgeon, radiologists and complete diagnostic tests and scans at our one stop breast clinics.
✔ Comprehensive screening clinics, including Rapid Breast MRI for dense breasts
✔Personalised breast cancer diagnosis and treatment plans tailored to your needs.
✔ Rapid access to world-class breast cancer treatment and care.
✔ Wellness support programs in partnership with national charity Penny Brohn UK.
Contact Us Today
If you’d like to find out more, contact our friendly team for expert advice or to book an appointment.
Knowledge is power. Speak up, ask the right questions, and keep abreast of your breast density