Hi, i recently had a mammogram which was fine, no issues. On examining me the consultant commented that i dont have dense breasts, which i know is good.
My question is, when i check on line it says you cant tell by feel, only a mammogram can show this. So im confused
Please help
Hi bettyboop1
Thanks for posting. It’s good to read that your recent mammogram was clear. You don’t say whether this was done after reporting a symptom to your GP, or if this was part of the National Breast Screening Programme.
You may find it helpful to know that breasts are made up of glandular tissue, fibrous tissue and fatty tissue. Breast density is the term used to describe the relative amount of these different types of breast tissue as seen on a mammogram. Dense breast tissue has relatively high amounts of glandular tissue and fibrous tissue, and relatively low amounts of fatty breast tissue. It isn’t possible to say whether someone has dense breast tissue by a clinical examination alone. However it is possible to feel different textures within breast tissue when examining. When describing clinical findings, comments are sometimes made about areas of dense breast tissue felt on examination, however this is different to breast density which can only be diagnosed on breast imaging.
If your recent mammogram was part of the screening programme you may be interested to know that this is not aimed at women with symptoms. So it’s important to remain breast aware, by checking your breasts regularly, between your screening appointments. If you notice a breast change, even if this is soon after screening, contact your GP.
Checking your breasts is simple and there’s no special way to check, as long as you check all of the breast or chest area, up to the collarbone and into the armpit. You can read about the signs to look out for here.
For more information see our booklet Know your breasts: a guide to breast awareness and screening.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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Best wishes
Carolyn
Breast Care Nurse
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