Starting this week, U.S. women will get information about their breast density after a mammogram. Here’s a breakdown of what this means and why it’s important.
What is Breast Density?
- Definition: Breast density refers to the amount of dense (fibroglandular) tissue compared to fatty tissue in the breast. Dense tissue appears white on mammograms, which can make it harder to detect cancer.
- Categories:
- Mostly Fatty: Easier to spot cancers.
- Scattered Fibroglandular Density: Common; may obscure some cancers.
- Heterogeneously Dense: Can hide up to 25% of cancers.
- Extremely Dense: Can hide up to 40% of cancers and increases cancer risk.
New FDA Rule
- Start Date: The rule goes into effect this Tuesday.
- Requirement: Mammogram reports must now include information about breast density.
- Purpose: To help women understand how their breast density may affect mammogram results and cancer detection.
Why is Breast Density Important?
- Detection Challenges: Dense tissue and cancer both appear white on mammograms, making it harder to see tumors.
- Increased Risk: Dense breasts are linked to a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
What Should Women Do?
- Talk to Your Doctor: If your report indicates dense breasts, discuss with your healthcare provider to assess your individual risk and explore additional imaging options, such as ultrasounds or MRIs.
- Additional Imaging: Women with dense breasts may need extra tests to help detect cancer that might be missed on a mammogram.
Personal Story
- JoAnn Pushkin’s Experience: Pushkin, who found a lump that wasn’t visible on her initial mammogram, later learned she had dense breasts. Her experience highlights the importance of knowing your breast density for better cancer detection.
Nationwide Changes
- Current Status: Around 39 states and the District of Columbia already require some breast density information to be shared with patients.
- Impact of New Rule: The new FDA rule will standardize breast density notifications across the U.S.
Expert Insights
- Dr. Wendie Berg: Supports the new rule for providing consistent information on breast density.
- Molly Guthrie: Emphasizes the need for women to discuss additional imaging with their doctors and addresses financial barriers to accessing such tests.
Access and Equity
- American Cancer Society: Applauds the new rule but stresses the need for continued efforts to ensure all women have access to high-quality mammograms and address disparities in breast cancer screening.
Conclusion
The new FDA rule requiring breast density notifications is a crucial step toward better breast cancer detection. Women should use this information to have informed discussions with their healthcare providers about their screening needs.