The American College of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging agree with the American Cancer Society that mammography saves lives and that all women 40 and older should have access to mammography. However, we urge that women get the maximum benefit from mammography by continuing to follow the existing recommendation of the American College of Radiology to have annual mammograms starting at age 40. This is consistent with the American Cancer Society report and recommendations.

Breast density measures the amount of fatty, glandular and fibrous tissue in the breast. A dense breast consists of more glandular and fibrous tissue than fat. It is not a measure of breast firmness; therefore, a mammogram is the only way to determine your density. Dense tissue is relatively common and found in more than forty percent (40%) of wome...