Health & Wellness

Katherine H. Kelly, MD, is a general surgeon at Memorial General & Colorectal Surgery, with a special focus on breast health. She first considered becoming a physician during her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis and mastectomy, over 20 years ago. It means the world to her to help guide her patients through that same journey.

Dr. Kelly believes it is important for women to understand their breast health and address any issues immediately.

Q: I have been told my breasts are dense – what exactly is breast density?

A: Dr. Kelly – While all breasts are made up of fatty tissue and breast tissue, not all breasts have the same combination of the two. Some breasts have more fatty tissue than breast tissue, while others have more breast tissue than fat. Your breasts are considered dense if you have a lot of fibrous or glandular tissue. Density may decrease with age, but there is little, if any, change in most women.

Breast density is determined by the radiologist – the doctor who reads your mammogram. They will assign each mammogram to one of four density categories. Your doctor can tell you whether you have dense breasts based on where you fall on the density scale.

Breast density is determined by the radiologist who reads your mammogram and classifies the density into one of four categories. Your doctor will tell you if you have dense breasts based on your mammogram’s classification on the density scale.

Q: Why is breast density monitored?

A: Dr. Kelly – Having dense breast tissue may mildly increase your risk of getting breast cancer. Dense breasts also make it more difficult for doctors to spot cancer on mammograms. On a standard 2D mammogram, dense breast tissue appears white. Since masses or lumps also appear white on a mammogram, a suspicious lump can be masked by dense breast tissue.

Q: Are any tests better than a mammogram for dense breasts?

A: Dr. Kelly – A 3D mammogram, or tomosynthesis, creates 3D pictures of dense breast tissue so any masses or lumps can be more clearly identified and smaller lesions can be better visualized, aiding in early detection of breast cancer.

3D mammograms utilize X-ray to take numerous images at different angles and locations throughout the breast to produce a 3D image of the breast. It is performed at the same time as your annual screening mammogram.

The cost of a 2D mammogram is covered by all insurance companies under federal law. Although 3D mammograms are becoming the standard of care, it may not be covered by insurance, and you may have out-of-pocket expenses. Coverage for 3D mammograms may vary by insurance carrier – Memorial Health can assist you with understanding your insurance provider’s coverage when you call to schedule.

If additional diagnostics are required, Memorial also offers breast ultrasound and MRI for patients.

Breast Health Resources

• The American Cancer Society and most health experts recommend women receive an annual screening mammogram beginning at age 40 (or earlier if you have a family history). It is the best way to detect breast cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage.
• Free mammograms are available at Memorial for women who are uninsured or underinsured, thanks to two supporting groups: the Breast and Cervical Cancer Project (BCCP) and the Blackburn Chasing the Cure Foundation.
• October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – take this opportunity to schedule your annual mammogram! Do it for your family. Do it for your girlfriends. Do it for you! Call (937) 578-2020 today!