Does breast density increase breast cancer risk? Radiologist Dr Bimalpreet Mohan explains how it influences mammograms

Breast density refers to a higher proportion of glandular and connective tissue relative to fatty tissue and is identified only through mammogram imaging, not by touch or appearance.

Dense breast tissue appears white on mammograms, similar to breast abnormalities, which can make it harder to spot small cancers.

Dr Bimalpreet Mohan emphasizes that dense breasts are not a disease or abnormal condition but can influence mammogram interpretation and screening decisions.

Women with dense breasts may require additional imaging beyond standard mammograms to improve cancer detection.

Awareness about breast density is improving, but many women first learn about it only after a mammogram report.