Source – timesnownews.com
Starting this week, women across the United States will receive more detailed information following their mammograms, including a notification about their breast density. This change comes as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) implements a new rule requiring all mammography facilities to inform patients about their breast density. This update is crucial as having dense breasts can increase the risk of breast cancer and make it more challenging to detect the disease on a mammogram.
Breast density refers to the proportion of fibroglandular tissue compared to fatty tissue in a woman’s breast. The denser the breast, the more fibroglandular tissue it contains. This density can affect the visibility of cancer on a mammogram, as both dense tissue and cancer appear white on the imaging, making it difficult to distinguish between the two.
The Impact of Dense Breasts on Cancer Detection
Approximately half of women over 40 in the United States have dense breast tissue, according to Dr. Kimberly Feigin, interim chief of the Breast Imaging Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Feigin explains that breast density is important for two main reasons: it can obscure cancer on a mammogram and it increases the risk of developing breast cancer.
“Dense breast tissue can hide cancer on a mammogram since the tissue appears white, similar to how lumps and tumors appear,” says Dr. Feigin. This similarity can result in missed diagnoses, as was the case with breast cancer survivor JoAnn Pushkin, who advocates for breast density awareness.
JoAnn Pushkin’s experience highlights the importance of the new FDA rule. In her mid-40s, Pushkin discovered a lump in her breast shortly after a normal mammogram. It was only after further testing, including an ultrasound, that the lump—later diagnosed as breast cancer—was detected. Pushkin’s cancer was found at a later stage, leading to more intensive treatment.
Her story underscores the need for national awareness and early detection. While 39 states and the District of Columbia already required some level of breast density reporting, the new FDA rule ensures uniformity across the country, making it mandatory for all mammography reports to include information on breast density.
New Requirements and What They Mean for Patients
With the FDA’s new rule in place, patients will now receive a clear notification about their breast density, along with guidance on what this information means for their health. For example, a typical notification might state: “Breast tissue can be either dense or not dense. Dense tissue makes it harder to find breast cancer on a mammogram and also raises the risk of developing breast cancer. Your breast tissue is dense. In some people with dense tissue, other imaging tests in addition to a mammogram may help find cancers. Talk to your healthcare provider about breast density, risks for breast cancer, and your individual situation.”
This standardized language aims to empower women with the knowledge needed to discuss their breast cancer risk with their healthcare providers and determine the best screening plan for them.
Understanding the Four Categories of Breast Density
Breast density is categorized into four levels: mostly fatty, scattered fibroglandular density, heterogeneously dense, and extremely dense. The denser the breast, the more difficult it becomes to detect cancer through a mammogram. Women with extremely dense breasts face up to a four times higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to those with mostly fatty breasts.
Dr. Wendie Berg, professor of radiology at the University of Pittsburgh, emphasizes that while breast density is an important factor, it’s only one piece of the puzzle. “Knowledge is power, and all women can now have informed conversations with their medical providers about the screening plan that’s right for them based on factors influencing their personal breast cancer risk, including breast density,” says Molly Guthrie, vice president of policy and advocacy at Susan G. Komen.
Ensuring Access to Quality Mammograms for All Women
The American Cancer Society (ACS) has praised the FDA’s new rule, noting that it will improve breast cancer screening and reduce delays in diagnosis. However, the ACS also stresses the need for all women to have access to high-quality mammograms. Black women, in particular, are more likely to experience lower-quality screening, contributing to higher breast cancer mortality rates.
The new FDA rule is a significant step forward in ensuring that all women are informed about their breast density and the potential implications for their health. By providing clear, standardized information, the rule aims to empower women to take charge of their health and advocate for the screening and care that best meets their individual needs.
