Tag

Dense Breast Tissue

All articles tagged with #dense breast tissue

health4 days ago•12 min saved

Utah Woman’s Late-Stage Diagnosis Highlights Limitations of Mammograms in Dense Tissue

Dani Kurtz, a former nurse in Utah, was diagnosed with breast cancer after detecting a lump in her armpit weeks before her scheduled mammogram. Although her initial mammogram returned normal results, dense breast tissue obscured the tumors, necessitating additional ultrasound and MRI tests that revealed seven tumors across both breasts. Kurtz underwent a bilateral mastectomy and 16 rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, completing treatment in late 2025. Her case underscores the limitations of mammography for women with dense tissue and the importance of self-examination and follow-up testing. Utah currently has a 63.8% mammography screening rate for women aged 40 and older, with a state goal of reaching 81% by 2030. Intermountain Health has introduced an online scheduling tool to improve access to screening appointments.

via KSL News|

#breast-cancer #cancer-screening #dense-breast-tissue

health1 year ago•4 min saved

Choosing the Best Mammogram for Women with Dense Breasts

For women with dense breast tissue, 3-D mammography is the preferred screening method as it is more effective at detecting cancer than traditional mammograms. Additional screening options like ultrasounds may be considered for those at intermediate risk, while MRIs are reserved for high-risk individuals. Risk assessment tools can help determine the most appropriate screening strategy, and women should discuss their personal risk factors with their healthcare providers.

via OregonLive.com|

#3-d-mammography #breast-cancer-screening #dense-breast-tissue

health2 years ago•20 min saved

"Hidden Threat: When Mammograms Miss Breast Cancer"

The article discusses the limitations of mammograms in detecting breast cancer, particularly in women with dense breast tissue. It highlights the case of Angie McCoy, whose cancer was missed by multiple mammograms and ultrasounds, leading to a late-stage diagnosis. The piece explores the effectiveness of MRIs as a more sensitive screening tool, the challenges of insurance coverage, and the need for better awareness and protocols for women with dense breasts.

via The Cut|

#breast-cancer #cancer-detection #dense-breast-tissue

health2 years ago•2 min saved

"Medicare's Refusal to Cover Additional Breast Scans Leaves Some Older Women at Risk"

Medicare does not cover supplemental ultrasound or M.R.I. scans for older women with dense breast tissue, leaving some patients to pay for the extra scans out of pocket, despite the fact that these additional scans are often necessary to detect tumors that mammograms may miss. This has led to frustration and confusion among patients, as they believe these scans are essential for early cancer detection, especially for those with a family history of breast cancer.

via The New York Times|

#breast-cancer #dense-breast-tissue #health

health2 years ago•7 min saved

"Follow-Up Exams Recommended for High Breast Density Mammograms"

Mammograms are less effective for women with dense breast tissue, making it harder to detect cancer. There is no clear protocol on how to handle this issue, and medical experts disagree on the need for additional screening tests. While some believe that supplemental screenings are necessary, others argue that the current evidence does not support increased follow-up screenings for all women with dense breasts. Insurance coverage for these additional tests remains a significant hurdle, but efforts are being made to expand coverage and close loopholes in individual state laws.

via STAT|

#breast-cancer-screening #dense-breast-tissue #health