Push for Federal Law on Breast Density Notification

The field of Mammography has grappled with the issue of breast density for many years, as it can sometimes act as an indicator of increased risk of breast cancer. Because of this, some states have worked or are working to establish laws regarding the education of density to patients.

Typically, young women tend to have breasts that are more dense than those of older women. Density refers to the amount of fat and tissue seen in the breast via mammograms. The level of density in older women can be affected by postmenopausal hormones, resulting higher density until they cease taking the hormones.

Campaign to raise awareness
In order to get state governments more involved in medical imaging and the issue of breast density, Are You Dense, Inc., educates the public about the benefits of early detection and the inherent risk of density and breast cancer. The organization shares its materials through Web-based resources, speaking events and social media. Its goal is to improve the condition of women who have been previously diagnosed with breast cancer and inform them of the various aspects of living with the disease.

While Are You Dense aims to inform the general public about early screenings and breast density, it also advocates changes in public policy and guidelines on mammograms and detection. According to the organization’s government relations affiliate, Are You Dense Advocacy, Inc., there are currently 14 states with enacted laws regarding mandatory breast density notifications for patients. An additional 10 have introduced a bill to their legislatures, and another six are in the process of working on a law. However, there are still 19 states that have made no action towards drafting breast density laws, leading the group to push for a national standard on density reporting.

The drive for federal law
Although a number of states are doing their parts to raise awareness on breast density, there is a rising need for legislation to be handed down by Congress for practices across the country. By not following up on density, physicians run the risk of decreasing the survival rates of their patients. Early detection and notification are essential to improving the quality of treatment for women with particularly dense breast tissue.

According to the National Institute of Health, change in breast density is one of the highest risks associated with the development of breast cancer. Not informing women of their tissue composition decreases the chances of early detection, which might have costly results. A federal standard on destiny notifications would make Digital Imaging providers become more transparent regarding patient safety measures for mammograms.

The benefits of Digital Breast Tomosynthesis
Because mammograms are not consistently accurate when it comes to detecting cancerous tumors, the advent of digital breast tomosynthesis has become an extremely beneficial innovation in health care. The comprehensive, three-dimensional image provided by tomosynthesis gives physicians and radiologists a better view into the tissue composition of breasts. This low-dose mammography equipment not only yields better scans, but also reduces the amount of radiation exposure for patients.

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