Breast MRI

About 40% of the female population have heterogeniously dense breasts.

Because of this density, an annual mammogram may not be cutting the mustard.

 A potential spot of cancer can easily “hide” among the tissue.

I’ve had an annual mammogram since I was 40, I’m 51 now.

When I got my letter after each mammogram saying that nothing was detected, I breathed a big sigh of relief and filed it away until it was time to schedule next year’s.

I noticed a sentence on each letter saying I have heterogeniously dense breasts and an MRI or ultrasound is recommended, but never acted on that suggestion because I figured I was doing enough.

After my mammogram in 2025 that suggestion stuck out more than usual probably because it seems like I know so many more women who are being diagnosed with breast cancer and I wanted to make sure I was taking good care of myself.

I called my nurse practicioner and we talked about the letter and its suggestion.

She said to keep getting mammograms and we’d do further imaging if anything ever showed up.

This didn’t sit well with me because if a mammogram doesn’t pick everything up if you have dense breasts then how can I fully trust them…

About this same time I was listening to the awesome podcast, We Cand Do Hard Things, and Amanda, Sister, was taking about her breast cancer journey.

Amanda shared that she has extremely dense breasts (10% of the population), a level higher than the 40% I mentioned earlier. 

She went in for further testing and an MRI found a lump that her previous mammograms missed.

The honest sharing of her experience and the clear information she shared led me to advocate for myself and get a referral for an abbreviated breast MRI to make sure the mammograms are accurate and that there’s noting hiding or growing.

I had my MRI yesterday at Northwest Radiology and got my results back already.

The scans were crystal clear and I’m so damn grateful.

If you have dense or extremely dense breasts you’re also more likely to develope breast cancer and a mammogram may not be enough. Not sure your density? Read your letter or ask the technician to assess your breasts at your next mammogram.

Unfortunately my insurance did not cover the MRI but the peace of mind was worth the out of pocket expense.

Read your letters from your mammograms.

Know your breast density.

Listen to Amanda’s podcasts. There were at least 4 that featured her experience and I think evey woman would benefit from listening to them.

Talk to your health care provider.

Take matters into your own hands when your gut tells you to.

I know this can be scary and overwhelming.

Take a few deep breaths, look around your space to orient yourself to the present moment, and take one kitten step toward what you want.

You got this, Sunshine and I’ve always got your back! (and your boobs, LOL)