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RESEARCH - Women with Dense Breasts Have a Higher Risk of Recurring Cancer

A study reported in Cancer found that breast cancer patients with dense breasts have a four time higher risk of recurrence.  The study by Dr. Steven Narod and colleagues at Women's College Research Institute in Toronto reported that women with invasive breast cancer in the highest breast density group experiened a much greater risk of local recurrence compared with women with the least dense breasts.  This study supports other studies which conclude that dense breast tissue is a significant risk factor.   That is why it is critically important for women and their physicians to be aware of breast density as screening protocols for early detection and follow-up assessments for prior cancer patients are designed.