Breast density is a significant yet often overlooked factor in breast cancer awareness , risk assessment and screening practices. Understanding what breast density is, how it affects breast cancer risk and what it means for screening can help women make informed decisions about their health. Breast density refers to the proportions of glandular and connective tissue compared to fatty tissue in the breast, as seen on a mammogram . Simply put, dense breasts have more glandular and fibrous tissue and less fat. On a mammogram, both dense tissue and tumours appear white, making it harder to detect abnormalities in women with dense breasts. This masking effect can lead to cancers being missed during routine screening, which is why breast density is not just a risk factor for developing breast cancer, but also for having it go undetected until it is more advanced.…