A review of breast density implications and breast cancer screening

Abstract Breast density is an independent risk factor for breast cancer and significantly decreases the sensitivity of mammography. Assessing a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer is becoming increasingly important for establishing individual screening recommendations and preventive strategies. This paper reviews the factors influencing mammographic density (MD), the available methods of MD assessment, and its effect on breast cancer. Finally, we discuss the supplemental screening methods for women with dense breast tissue.