New Study Underscores Need for Breast Density Notification Laws Viztek

With the numerous advancements in diagnostic radiology, such as digital breast tomosynthesis, radiologists have been able to provide more accurate diagnoses for patients. These improvements have been significantly beneficial when it comes to determining breast density and the potential development of breast cancer in women.

According to a new study discussed at the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine meeting in Las Vegas, Nev., fewer than 2 percent of women who are diagnosed with dense breast tissue return for follow-ups with ultrasound. The findings underscore the need for more effective density laws to improve the breast cancer screening process, AuntMinnie.com reported.

The initial findings
Led by Stamatia Destounis, M.D, of the Elizabeth Wende Breast Care in Rochester, N.Y., researchers set out to review the facility’s experiences with the state’s breast density notification law, which was put into effect last year. From Jan. 1, 2013 to Feb. 2014, the care center saw more than 84,000 patients, with 29,324 found to have varied breast density and 9,575 diagnosed with heavily dense tissue. In adherence to the law, these patients were informed of their density status, both at the time of their examination and in written form.

Out of the 38,899 patients, a mere 732 returned to Wende for a follow-up ultrasound, according to Destounis. With so few returning for further examination, the need for increased awareness on the dangers of breast density becomes abundantly clear.

The need for laws
Destounis’ team’s findings serve to underscore the need for further campaigning on state laws regarding breast density. For their part, the Are You Dense organization is a nonprofit that promotes patient access to information pertaining to the early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, as well as tissue density.

Additionally, the group has a federal government relations affiliate – Are You Dense Advocacy – that lobbies on its behalf to ensure that women are swiftly and properly informed about their breast density and the associated risk factors that increase as a result. The organizations’ goals are to support state and federal legislation that standardizes communication of tissue density to women and grants patients access to reliable screening technologies in the digital imagingindustry.

To date, only 16 states have passed laws on density notifications in summary of care reports, which include mammogram results and treatment recommendations.

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