Extra cancer scans for women with dense breasts could save 700 lives a year – UK study
The Guardian - ScienceWednesday, May 21, 2025 at 10:30:40 PM
A new UK study suggests that offering additional scans to women with very dense breasts—who make up about 10% of the population—could catch early-stage cancers that regular mammograms often miss. Researchers estimate this extra step could save around 700 lives annually, since dense breast tissue can obscure tumors on standard X-rays.
What This Means: This isn’t just another medical study—it’s a potential game-changer for breast cancer detection. Right now, millions of women get mammograms, but those with dense breasts (which is surprisingly common) might be walking away with false reassurance. The research highlights a simple tweak to screening that could prevent hundreds of deaths, sparking a conversation about personalized care in routine check-ups. It’s a reminder that small adjustments in healthcare can have huge ripple effects.
— Curated via WP Now’s AI editorial system
