Which of the following factors can impact breast density in mammography?

Aging is a significant factor that impacts breast density in mammography. As women age, especially during and after menopause, the composition of breast tissue typically changes. Younger women generally have denser breast tissue that is primarily composed of glandular and fibrous tissues. However, as they get older, there is a natural reduction in these tissues, which is often replaced by fatty tissue. This process results in lower breast density, making it essential to consider age when evaluating mammograms.

Understanding breast density is crucial because it can affect the accuracy of mammograms in detecting breast cancer. Dense breast tissue can mask tumors, leading to potentially missed diagnoses. Therefore, aging is a key factor in assessing breast density, as it directly correlates with the physiological changes that occur in breast tissue over time.