Global survey reveals only one out of four aware of dense breast tissue risks

A survey of 10,000 adults across 10 countries found that only one quarter were aware that women with high breast density were more likely to develop breast cancer, and only one out of five people reported seeing media coverage of the issue in the past six months.

Respondents in the U.S. lagged behind several other countries in terms of awareness.

The survey, “Value of Knowing,” was conducted by Millward Brown and sponsored by GE Healthcare in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Research was conducted this past May and June, featuring 1,000 nationally representative adult respondents from Australia, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, U.K. and U.S.

While half the U.S. population lives in a state that has passed a mandatory notification law to inform women of their breast density after a mammogram, only 19 percent were aware of the link between breast density and cancer. Australia, the U.K. and Japan were the least aware of the link at 13 percent, 9 percent and 2 percent, respectively.

Russia, Indonesia and China had the highest rates of awareness at 60 percent, 58 percent and 34 percent, respectively. These same countries reported the highest level of media coverage on the issue.

Nearly half of the respondents incorrectly believed that dense breast tissue can be identified through regular self-exams.

The survey also asked about awareness of breast cancer symptoms, and found more than half of respondents couldn’t name the six most common symptoms. While a majority knew a lump in the breast or in the armpit is a symptom, less than half identified breast discharge or changes to the breast or nipple such as skin dimpling and rash.