Women's imaging firm Hologic is highlighting survey results that suggest more than 60% of women are unaware of how breast density affects their risk of developing cancer.
The survey, commissioned by Hologic and conducted in August by the Harris Poll, queried more than 1,155 women who were at least 18 years old; 710 were 40 or older. Major findings included the following:
- 64% of women who responded to the survey did not know that breast density affects a woman's risk of developing breast cancer.
- 68% of respondents did not know their breast density score.
- Only 36% of all respondents have discussed their breast density with a medical professional; among women 40 and older, the percentage was 43%.
- Once they were informed of the connection between breast density and cancer risk, 84% said they would be more likely to go to a facility with mammogram technology proved to be more accurate for women with dense breasts (compared with standard mammography if all things were equal).