Breast cancer is a malignant disease characterized by the out-of-control growth of breast cells. The breast is composed of fatty tissue, fibrous tissue, and glandular tissue, which comprises three parts – the glands that produce milk, the ducts that transport milk to the nipple, and the connective tissue that consists of fibrous and fatty tissue that connects everything together.

Men are also affected by breast cancer. Read this article about how to overcome stigma about breast cancer male patients. 

In a mammogram, physicians are able to analyze the density of breast tissue, which means the amount of each type of tissue. A woman is considered to have dense breast tissue when there is high amounts of glandular and fibrous tissue, and low fatty tissue. However, there are some things about mammograms which are not regularly discussed. Here’s a list we’ve put together of eight important things you must know about mammograms (source: BreastCancer.org):

1. Mammograms can be life savers: Detecting breast cancer at an early stage can reduce your risk of death by up to 30% or more. Having a mammogram is the most reliable way to find out if you may or may not have cancer.