Extra MRI or ultrasound for dense breasts
Not enough evidence yet to say whether it helps.
What studies found
Dense breasts are found in more than 40% of women screened. Dense tissue raises breast cancer risk and makes cancer harder to see on a mammogram; since September 2024 every U.S. mammogram summary must say whether breasts are dense. The U.S. Task Force (2024) and the American Cancer Society both say there isn't enough evidence to recommend for or against extra MRI or ultrasound for women whose only added risk is dense breasts.
The catch
If MRI is used, the American Cancer Society says it goes alongside a mammogram, not instead of it.
What to do
If your report says your breasts are dense, ask your doctor about your overall risk before deciding on extra imaging.
Sources
Rung 2 of 5, Limited: Few, small or conflicting human studies, or only indirect measures such as blood markers. How we score
Step by step
For the whole picture, from prevention and screening to treatment and life after, see the breast cancer page.
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