Breast dense vs. Calcifications?

[lkvfree]

I just had a mammogram and was told I have dense breasts tissue.  This is all good and fine except that I had a mammogram 2 years ago and that was not mentioned.  However, at that time (2 years ago) I was told I had calcifications of the right breast.  Can dense breasts occur as you get older or is this normal?

[old_before_my_time]

I don't believe I have dense breasts (at least it was never mentioned). However, I did have a mammogram that showed calcifications and they had me come back and do another which again showed them. I then asked if I should stop taking my calcium supplement a number of days prior to my mammo and they said "yes". On my next mammo, the calcifications were gone.

[specialmom]

Breast density is more common in young and thin women.  I would think that the density and calcifications warrant follow up testing.  Have you had further imaging done?  I ended up having a biopsy when I had density, calcifications and oddly shaped calcifications.  I did not have cancer (but was scared).  For whatever reason, more dense breasts especially when we are older is connected to breast cancer. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/mammogram/in-depth/dense-breast-tissue/art-20123968.  And certainly it does make imaging harder to detect things.  So, are you following up with anyone?  Many women have results that cause a bit of concern and it is just fine.  I'm not trying to scare you. But making sure you are prudent in evaluating this further is important.

[AnnieBrooke]

As women age, breast tissue is expected to get less dense. I don't think this is an absolute rule, though.