Many health care providers have discussed the risks of breast dense tissue in the last two years, with several states enacting laws that mandate notifications for patients who have the potential to develop malignancies. However, a new study published in the online edition of the Journal of Clinical Oncology revealed that many women are unaware that tissue density is a cancer risk factor.
Educating patients about breast density
According to research from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, nearly half of women who are eligible for mammography screenings have never heard of the risks of dense tissue. Lead researcher Deborah Rhodes, M.D., explained that the knowledge gap might be influenced by several factors, including education, which makes it even more important for physicians to address the problem as soon as possible.
"Many U.S. women lack the information necessary to participate fully in decisions regarding mammography screening, supplemental screening, and hormone therapy," Rhodes wrote, quoted by AuntMinnie.com. "Tailoring education for particular groups at risk of lower exposure to health information and greater risk of aggressive forms of breast cancer … [is] critically important."
More than 20 states have passed breast density notification laws in the past six years, but some women are still uninformed of the risks. To better understand these shortcomings, Rhodes and her team sent a survey in both English and Spanish to more than 2,300 women. It included questions about medical history, perceived health status and use of available resources in the area. In addition, respondents were asked how many mammograms they had underwent and any relevant medical imaging records that pertained to breast tissue.
The researchers found that 58 percent of women had heard of breast density, but only 49 percent knew it affected cancer detection under mammography due to its masking effects. Another 53 percent knew it increases cancer risk, which still leaves many patients unaware of the dangers of breast density.
While many proponents of density notification laws were hopeful that the alerts would positively affect outcomes, legislation in California has yet to make a significant impact.
Slow to the draw on the West Coast
Oncology Nurse Advisor explained that 10 months after breast density laws were passed in California, researchers found that half of primary care physicians are unfamiliar with the legislation and do not feel comfortable answered density-related questions from patients.
The findings, published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology, suggested that more education and diagnostic imaging options are needed for doctors to have significant impacts on patient care. The legislation was expected to increase awareness about dense breast tissue and encourage patients to discuss these issues with their physicians.
A survey from the University of California-Davis indicated that 49 percent of the polled physicians had no knowledge of the density laws, and only 32 percent noted increases in concerns from patients about the risks of dense breast tissue. While the findings are concerning, more specialized training on the topic and enhanced materials at facilities could help both doctors and patients become familiar with tissue density.
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Ronny Bachrach
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