New Jersey now requires all women that get mammograms to receive a follow-up letter noting if they have dense breasts. While the letter has good intentions, it can strike a bit of fear, as it doesn’t provide particularly helpful or specific information about a woman’s breasts. Dense breast tissue makes it harder to detect tumors via mammograms, but it’s important to know that mammography is only one tool in the breast cancer detection toolbox. Self-breast exams and manual breast exams at one’s annual gynecological visit are the first line of defense. Usually, one can feel a lumpy spot, a texture change, or something that’s off or different. One’s doctor can compare this year’s mammogram to last year’s to get a better sense if anything’s changed. If further screening needs to be done, breast ultrasound, breast magnetic resonance imaging and 3D mammography are all viable options. If one has a suspicious finding, Virtua can schedule a consultation within 48 hours. Virtua’s nationally accredited breast cancer program is part of the Penn Medicine Virtua Cancer Program, with locations in Moorestown, Voorhees and Washington Township.

To connect, call 856-391-0781 or visit Virtua.org/breastcare.