Given this lack of awareness, study authors note that “comprehensive education about breast cancer risks and prevention strategies is needed.”

And while it's clear that patients with dense breast tissue have a 1 to 4 times greater risk of developing breast cancer than patients with less fibroglandular tissue, it's not clear why this is, Dr. Shepardson explains.

Therefore, it makes sense that the more fibroglandular tissue a patient has, the more cells there are at risk of turning into cancer.

Fortunately, many states have now passed legislation that requires radiologists to notify patients if they have dense breast tissue.

It is never too early to start talking about breast health with your medical provider, Dr. Shepardson says.

“I advise all patients to consider starting annual screening mammography beginning at age 40, since younger patients tend to have denser breast tissue and early detection is key,” says Dr. Shepardson.