Your Breast Health, Personalized: Making Sense of Modern Screening Options
Dense Breasts? Here’s What to Know About Modern Screening
Dense breast tissue is common, but it can make mammogram results harder to interpret. In this post, Dr. Sonia Durairaj of Elevated Health explains why 3D mammography is the new standard—and how personalized screening reduces confusion and improves peace of mind.
Last updated on September 30, 2025
Every October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month reminds us that proactive screening can genuinely save lives. For many women in Austin and the Hill Country, that starts with scheduling a mammogram. But for almost half of women, those results include a note that can be confusing: “You have dense breast tissue.”
As a concierge primary care and menopause physician, I spend time helping women understand what that really means. Dense breast tissue is common and not necessarily concerning, but it does make accurate screening even more important. By using the most advanced imaging options, like 3D mammography, and adding ultrasound or MRI when appropriate, we can improve clarity, reduce anxiety, and catch potential problems early.
What Does It Mean to Have Dense Breasts?
Breast density refers to the ratio of fibrous and glandular tissue to fat within the breast. On a mammogram, dense tissue appears white, the same color as cancer, making subtle findings harder to detect.
In Texas, radiology centers are required to inform women if their breasts are dense. While this letter is helpful, it can also cause uncertainty about what comes next. The truth is, dense breasts are normal for many women, particularly those who are younger, leaner, or on hormone therapy. Your screening strategy should be as individualized as you are.
Why 3D Mammography Is the New Standard
Traditional 2D mammography has served as a reliable tool for decades, but it can miss small lesions hidden within overlapping tissue.
3D mammography (tomosynthesis), now the current standard of care, solves this by capturing multiple images from different angles and reconstructing a layered, three-dimensional view of the breast. This improves accuracy and reduces the number of false positives and unnecessary call-backs.
In fact, research shows that 3D mammography:
Detects more cancers at earlier stages
Provides more precise imaging for dense breast tissue
Reduces the number of women called back for additional tests
When scheduling your next screening in Austin or Westlake Hills, ask whether 3D mammography is available. It’s the best way to ensure you’re getting the highest-quality imaging possible.
When Ultrasound or MRI May Be Helpful
For some women, mammography alone isn’t enough. Factors like dense tissue, family history, and personal health background can make additional imaging worthwhile.
Breast ultrasound is often used as a follow-up for women with dense breasts. It uses sound waves, not radiation, to identify cysts or solid nodules that may not appear clearly on a mammogram.
Breast MRI offers even more detail and is typically reserved for women at higher risk, such as those with prior abnormal findings, genetic predispositions, or strong family histories.
At Elevated Health, I use a personalized Breast Cancer Risk Assessment to determine the most suitable combination of screenings for you. It’s not about doing more testing; it’s about doing the right testing for your body and risk profile.
Addressing Common Concerns
“I’m nervous about false positives.”
That’s understandable. False positives can lead to unnecessary anxiety and extra tests. The good news? 3D mammography has been shown to significantly reduce that risk while improving accuracy, especially for women with dense tissue.
“I always feel like results take forever.”
Waiting for imaging results can be a stressful experience. As part of my concierge approach, I coordinate personalized imaging referrals for 3D mammography in Austin and ensure that results are reviewed promptly, often within a few days. My patients receive clear explanations and next steps directly from me, rather than through a portal notification.
Preparing for Your Screening
You can make your mammogram smoother and more meaningful by coming prepared. Bring:
Prior mammogram or imaging reports (especially from another facility)
Details about your family history of breast or ovarian cancer
Any previous biopsy results
A list of current medications and supplements
Questions you want to discuss about your breast health
This helps ensure that your care team has all the information needed to compare images accurately and interpret results with precision.
How Elevated Health Supports Breast Cancer Prevention
At Elevated Health, prevention is deeply personal. As part of the Ms.Medicine network, I focus on comprehensive women’s health that extends far beyond the annual exam. My concierge model allows for the time and partnership needed to address screening, hormones, and whole-person wellness with intention.
Our approach includes:
A detailed Breast Cancer Risk Assessment for every woman over 40
Concierge imaging coordination for 3D mammography, ultrasound, and MRI
Referrals to trusted Austin-area imaging partners
Rapid result review and same-week feedback whenever possible
Supportive, direct conversations about next steps and prevention
When breast cancer screening is tailored to you, it becomes less about worry and more about empowerment.
Download the Ms.Medicine Breast Health Guide
Empower yourself with the Ms.Medicine Guide to Breast Health.
This free resource walks you through breast changes, density, screening tools, and prevention strategies at every stage of life.
(Free PDF available from Ms.Medicine’s official website.)
Take the Next Step This Breast Cancer Awareness Month
If you’re between 40 and 74, this is the perfect time to review your breast cancer screening plan. Whether you’re due for your next mammogram, have recently received a notification about dense breasts, or want a plan tailored to your unique needs, I can help.
Call Elevated Health at 512-759-6033 or visit www.sdmdelevatedhealth.com to schedule your Breast Cancer Risk Assessment. Together, we’ll create a screening plan designed to protect your long-term health and peace of mind.
