Breast Density Awareness May Cause Unnecessary Anxiety, Study Finds

Published: 04 December 2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Telling women about their breast density after mammograms may increase anxiety unnecessarily, a study suggests. Breast density measures the ratio of glandular and fibrous tissue to fat, affecting cancer risk and mammogram accuracy.

Researchers at the University of Sydney studied 2,401 Australian women screened for breast cancer between September 2023 and July 2024. Participants were divided into three groups: one not informed about their breast density, one given written information, and another provided with an online video explaining breast density.

After eight weeks, women informed of their breast density reported more anxiety and confusion than the control group. These groups also showed higher intentions to speak to their GP, at 22.8% and 19.4%, compared with 12.9% for those not informed.

In England, the NHS breast screening program does not currently assess or report breast density in mammograms. Sophie Brooks from Cancer Research UK emphasized that dense breasts can make cancer detection harder but cannot be self-assessed or changed.

The study concluded that women notified of their dense breasts did not feel more informed and preferred guidance from their general practitioners. Melanie Sturtevant from Breast Cancer Now highlighted that informing women of personal risk may increase anxiety and confusion, stressing the need for clearer guidance.

The UK National Screening Committee is reviewing whether to include breast density in routine screenings, weighing the psychological effects and potential benefits. Further research is essential to balance awareness with emotional well-being.

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