Why you should read this article:

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To understand how dense breast tissue can cause issues with breast screening

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To learn how improving knowledge of breast cancer and its risk factors can improve outcomes for women with dense breast tissue

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To be aware of some patient advocacy groups that you can advise patients to use

Breast cancer is the second highest cause of female death in the UK. Early detection of breast cancer has been advanced through the mammography screening programme, however this is not always effective for women with dense breast tissue. There is little published research discussing alternative screening approaches for women with dense breast tissue.

This article reports findings of a literature review that appraised the evidence on nurses’ knowledge of breast cancer and the implications when advising women with dense breast tissue. Nurses’ knowledge of breast cancer, risk factors, appropriate screening methods and treatment can influence women’s breast cancer awareness, uptake of screening and ultimately morbidity and mortality.