The May Annals of Internal Medicine has published an important study looking at what to do with women with dense breasts. Conventionally they have been referred for ultrasound and/or MRI out of an abundance of concern. The latest study (click here for the abstract) shows pretty conclusively that only a small subset of these women should be worried. The authors develop an algorithm for who needs further investigation. The importance here is to identify a large group of women who do NOT need additional studies, for their risk is no greater than average. Dr. Stark comments, “As opposed to some of the recent mammogram studies that make claims not supported by common sense, most spectacularly from the group at Dartmouth, this study seems well done, offers original observations and makes sense. I hope people embrace its results.”