Risk-based Breast Cancer Screening: Implications of Breast Density

Christoph I Lee; Linda E Chen; Joann G Elmore

doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2017.03.005

Risk-based Breast Cancer Screening: Implications of Breast Density

Med Clin North Am. 2017 Jul;101(4):725-741. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2017.03.005.

Authors

Christoph I Lee¹, Linda E Chen², Joann G Elmore³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Radiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 Northeast Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Department of Health Services, University of Washington School of Public Health, 1959 Northeast Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA; Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, Fred Hutchinson Research Cancer Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue N, Box 19024, Seattle, WA 98109, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].
² Department of Radiology, University of Washington School of Medicine, 1959 Northeast Pacific Street, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
³ Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359780, Seattle, WA 98104, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359780, Seattle, WA 98104, USA.

Abstract

The approach to breast cancer screening has changed over time from a general approach to a more personalized, risk-based approach. Women with dense breasts, one of the most prevalent risk factors, are now being informed that they are at increased risk of developing breast cancer and should consider supplemental screening beyond mammography. This article reviews the current evidence regarding the impact of breast density relative to other known risk factors, the evidence regarding supplemental screening for women with dense breasts, supplemental screening options, and recommendations for physicians having shared decision-making discussions with women who have dense breasts.

Keywords: Breast density; Mammography; Risk-based screening; Supplemental screening.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Age Factors
Breast / diagnostic imaging*
Breast Density / physiology*
Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis*
Breast Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
Early Detection of Cancer / methods*
Female
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Mammography
Practice Guidelines as Topic
Risk Assessment
Risk Factors
Ultrasonography, Mammary

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Grants and funding