New Recommendations for Mammography | Breast density information must be included on all mammograms in accordance with new FDA requirements.

VTVD-AP

Sunday, March 12, 2023 2:58 AM

US requires new breast density information with all mammograms

WASHINGTON — All women in the US undergoing mammograms will soon receive information about their breast density, which can sometimes make it difficult to detect cancer.

The new requirements, approved Thursday by the Food and Drug Administration, aim to standardize the information provided to millions of women after a breast cancer scan. Regulators first proposed the changes in 2019, and healthcare providers will have 18 months to comply with the policy.

Some states already require women to receive information about breast density.

About half of women over 40 have dense breasts with less fatty tissue and more connective and glandular tissue. On x-rays, this tissue appears white, the same color as growths in the breast, making mammograms difficult to read. Dense breast tissue is one of the factors that can increase a woman’s chances of developing cancer.

Under the new rules, women with dense breasts will receive a written warning that their status “makes it difficult to detect breast cancer.” These patients will also be encouraged to talk to their doctor about their findings.

Professional guidelines do not specify the next steps for women with dense breasts, but some doctors may recommend additional forms of scanning, including ultrasound or MRI.

Copyright © 2023 ABC11-WTVD-TV/DT. All rights reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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