The month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but the last Wednesday in September has recently been designated as World Dense Breast Day. This is an important opportunity to raise awareness about the risk factors associated with having dense breasts, and to encourage women and their loved ones to become more educated and take preventive measures to protect their health.
Research has shown that almost half of women over age 40 have dense breasts. The reality is that women with dense breasts are at greater risk of getting breast cancer than are women with fatty breasts. The good news is that screening tests can find breast cancer early so that it can be successfully treated. York Hospital Breast Care is here to help, with over 10 years of experience – the most on the Seacoast – performing additional breast cancer surveillance with breast ultrasound in patients with dense breast tissue. We also offer screening breast MRI in high-risk patients with dense breast tissue. Breast MRIs are read on-site by our fellowship- trained breast radiologists. You can find additional patient-focused information about dense breasts at DenseBreast-info.org.
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, we look forward to bringing you news posts and important breast self-awareness messages on our website about risk factors, screening options, healthy lifestyle choices and more. The York Hospital Breast Care page is always available to provide you with information about your breast health and the services offered, or you can call the Breast Care office at (207) 351-2023 during business hours.