Fight With Knowledge Not Fear
What is Breast Density?
What is Breast Density?
Breast density refers to the amount of fibroglandular (dense) tissue versus fatty tissue in a woman’s breasts. Dense tissue appears white on a mammogram—the same color as tumors—making it harder to detect cancer. The denser the breast, the greater the chance that mammography alone will miss cancer.
The American College of Radiology (ACR) categorizes breast density using the BI-RADS Atlas:
Approximately 40-50% of women fall into categories C or D.
Why Dense Breasts Matter
You cannot feel density. Only a mammogram can tell you whether your breasts are dense.
What You Need To Do - Checklist
Real Stories, Real Consequences
“I got an all-clear mammogram in early 2022. Later that year, I found a small dimple—my breast cancer. I felt betrayed. Why didn’t anyone tell me mammography might not be enough?”
“I fought for an MRI after my first tumor was found. They called me difficult. Then they found a larger tumor in my other breast. If I hadn’t pushed, it would’ve been missed again.”
These stories are not rare. Too many women are not informed, not heard, and not offered the tests that could save their lives.
The Problem with 3D Mammography (Tomosynthesis)
3D mammography is often presented as a solution, but in women with dense tissue, it still has the same fundamental issue: white cancer in white tissue.
“3D mammography might improve detection slightly, but it is not enough. Ultrasound, MRI, and contrast-enhanced mammography can reveal what mammograms miss.”
– Dr. Rachel Bren
Current Law: Progress, But Not Enough
As of 2024, all 50 states now mandate that women be informed if they have dense breasts following a mammogram. However:
Many physicians lack training or time to properly educate patients on what to do next.
The Find It Early Act
The Find It Early Act is a bipartisan bill introduced in both the House (H.R. 3086) and Senate (S. 5141) during the 118th Congress. Its goal is to require all health insurance plans—private and public—to cover screening and diagnostic breast imaging (including mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs) with no out-of-pocket costs for women with dense breasts or those at higher risk for breast cancer.
Disparities in Care
Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women—even when diagnosed at the same stage. Underserved communities often receive lower quality imaging and lack access to supplemental screening.
Equity means:
In Memory and Action
This movement began with Dr. Nancy Capello, who had an “all clear” mammogram, only to later be diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer that mammography had missed. She pushed for the first breast density law in Connecticut—and ignited a national movement.
Like Dr. Capello, Carrie Lyn Lawrence also had high-density breast tissue. After her mammogram, a biopsy was performed to examine what was considered a suspicious mass. No marker was placed during the biopsy, and the pathology report read: “Benign breast tissue with dense fibrous stroma and sclerosing adenosis.” No MRI was ordered. In time, Carrie was diagnosed with high-risk Stage 3 breast cancer that had already spread to multiple lymph nodes.
We continue that fight at CarrieLynCares.org—because no woman should be denied the screening she needs simply because of what’s hidden in the clouds.
“Breast cancer is not a death sentence. Early breast cancer is largely curable—with over 95% survival at five years. But only if it’s found in time.”
Learn How You Can Help
Make A Difference
Together, we can help change insurance guidelines and assist women in accessing life-altering brain MRI pre-screenings for high-risk Stage II, III, and metastatic breast cancer patients. Your support brings hope, extends lives, and ensures no woman faces high-risk breast cancer alone by detecting brain metastases early.