Denton County Living Well Magazine Winter 2015 | Page 21

35 percent. Dr. Dell explains that for
every 1,000 women screened, we can
expect to find three to six cancers.
A factor that women should be aware
of when it comes to their own breast
health is breast density. About 50 percent of women above the age of 40
have dense breasts, which means their
ratio of fibroglandular tissue (which
includes milk ducts) to normal breast
fat is increased. Because 97 percent
of breast cancer originates in the milk
ducts, women with more fibroglandular tissue (denser breasts) have a

Baylor Medical Center at Carrollton

slightly increased chance of developing breast cancer. Though cancers
can be harder to find in dense breasts,
Dr. Dell notes that ultrasound and
MRI technology can be used in addition to mammography to provide the
most thorough screening possible. The
increased use of ultrasound in breast
screening is now a national trend.
Family history of breast cancer can
also increase a woman’s risk of getting the disease. However, a negative
family history does not mean a minimal risk of breast cancer. “Actually,

three out of four new cancers found
are in women with no family history
of breast cancer,” says Dr. Dell. No
matter the risk, an annual mammogram greatly reduces the chance of
dying from the disease.
Despite its commonality in today’s society, breast cancer and its harmful effects can be treated more effectively
when detected in its earliest stages
through mammography and ultrasound technology. Don’t wait––if you
are 40 years or older, get screened–
–it could save your life.

Cancer Care in Carrollton.

Hope has a new home.
Texas Oncology

at Baylor Medical Center at Carrollton

Reflecting Baylor’s extraordinary dedication to cancer care, Baylor Medical Center
at Carroll ۈٙ