Dense Breasts and the Diagnostic Gap: What Every Woman Deserves to Know with Dr. Paula Gordon

Have something to share? Send us a text! Did you know that almost half of all women have dense breasts, and most have no idea what that means for their health? In this episode of the MenopauseWize Podcast, Dr. Sukhpreet Patel sits down with Dr. Paula Gordon, a pioneering breast radiologist and Clinical Professor at the University of British Columbia, to unpack one of the most underappreciated gaps in women's healthcare.Dr. Gordon was among the first researchers to show that ultrasound could detect small cancers missed by mammograms in women with dense breasts. Her advocacy has helped change policy across Canada, ensuring women are now told whether they have dense breasts in their mammogram reports, and successfully pushing all Canadian provinces to lower the screening age to 40 along with her colleaguesIn this conversation, we cover:What breast density actually means and how common it isHow density changes through perimenopause and menopauseWhy mammograms can miss cancers in women with dense breastsWhat supplemental imaging options are available and how to chooseThe truth about interval cancers and what the data tells usHow to navigate callbacks and reduce unnecessary anxietyWhat every woman should be asking her doctor right nowWhether you have been told you have dense breasts, are navigating breast cancer screening decisions, or simply want to be informed, this episode is essential listening.Resources mentioned:DenseBreastsCanada.caFollow: @densebreastscanada on InstagramFollow MenopauseWize: @MenopauseWize on Instagram Support the showThe information provided in all episodes of the MenopauseWize podcast, including content shared by Sukhpreet Patel or any guest or representative, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for professional healthcare consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition or treatment decisions. SheRise Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., MenopauseWize, Sukhpreet Patel, or any representative will not be held responsible or liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from the use or reliance on the information provided in this podcast. Listeners are encouraged to use the information at their own discretion and always seek advice from a licensed medical professional before making any healthcare decisions.