Starting this week, women in the U.S. will be informed about their breast density after a mammogram. Here’s a simple guide to understand what this means for you.
What is Breast Density?
- Definition: Breast density refers to the amount of fibroglandular tissue (dense tissue) compared to fatty tissue in the breast. Dense tissue appears white on a mammogram, which can make it harder to spot cancer.
- Density Categories:
- Mostly Fatty: Easier to detect cancer.
- Scattered Fibroglandular Density: Common, but may obscure some cancers.
- Heterogeneously Dense: Can hide up to 25% of cancers.
- Extremely Dense: Can hide up to 40% of cancers and increases breast cancer risk significantly.
New FDA Rule
- Starting Date: The new rule goes into effect this Tuesday.
- Requirement: All mammogram reports must now include information about breast density.
- Purpose: This aims to help women understand their breast density and its impact on mammogram accuracy.
Why Breast Density Matters
- Detection Difficulty: Dense tissue and cancer both appear white on a mammogram, which can make cancer harder to detect.
- Increased Risk: Women with dense breasts have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Next Steps for Women with Dense Breasts
- Consult Your Doctor: Discuss your breast density with your healthcare provider to understand your individual risk and to explore additional imaging options if needed.
- Additional Imaging: Women with dense breasts may benefit from other types of imaging, such as ultrasounds or MRIs, in addition to mammograms.
Personal Story
- JoAnn Pushkin’s Experience: After finding a lump but having a normal mammogram, Pushkin learned she had dense breasts, which made it harder to detect her cancer. She advocates for breast density notifications to improve early detection.
National Standards
- Current Status: About 39 states and the District of Columbia already require some level of breast density reporting.
- New Rule Impact: The new FDA rule will standardize breast density notifications nationwide, ensuring all women receive this important information.
Expert Opinions
- Dr. Wendie Berg: Supports the new rule for providing uniform information about breast density to all women.
- Molly Guthrie: Emphasizes the importance of informed discussions with healthcare providers about the need for additional imaging based on breast density.
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, especially addressing disparities in screening quality among different racial groups.
Conclusion
The new FDA rule requiring breast density notifications is a positive step towards improving breast cancer detection and awareness. Women should use this information to discuss their screening options with their healthcare providers.