New Breast Density Reporting Requirement Empowers Women with Vital Information; Susan G. Komen(R) Urges Access to Affordable Care
September 10 2024 - 8:15AM
Business Wire
Komen Advocated for Policy to Standardize
Notifications in Mammography Reports, Giving People More Data to
Understand Breast Cancer Risk
Susan G. Komen®, the world’s leading breast cancer organization,
today commends the implementation of a U.S. Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) rule that mammography reports include
information about a woman’s breast density. The new, federal
requirement standardizes the notification language people receive,
ensuring all individuals across the country have consistent
information about the makeup of their breast tissue.
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New U.S. Food and Drug Administration
rule gives patients and health care providers additional
information about a person's breast density, an important factor in
determining breast cancer risk. (Graphic: Business Wire)
“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,” said Molly Guthrie,
Vice President of Policy & Advocacy at Susan G. Komen. “This
may mean additional tests are recommended to accurately screen for
breast cancer.”
Breast density is a measurement on a mammogram of the fibrous
and glandular tissue which includes the lobules and ducts that make
and carry milk, compared to fatty tissue in the breast. Dense
breasts are common, affecting about 40-50% of U.S. women ages
40-74. However, breast density is only one factor that can affect a
woman’s breast cancer risk. Age, gender, genetics, family health
history and lifestyle factors play important roles in a person’s
overall risk. Women with very dense breasts are 4-5 times more
likely to develop breast cancer, and dense breast tissue can
obscure tumors in mammograms. Komen encourages women to talk with
their health care providers about their breast density and whether
additional breast imaging may be right for them.
By September 10, 2024, mammography reports are required to
include a breast density assessment. The reports will include an
overall finding – breasts are dense, or breasts are not dense – and
additional detail about the level of density:
- Breasts are almost entirely fatty (not dense)
- Breasts have scattered areas of fibroglandular density (not
dense)
- Breasts are heterogeneously dense, which may obscure small
masses (dense)
- Breasts are extremely dense, which lowers sensitivity of
mammography (dense)
Widespread access to annual screening mammography beginning at
age 40, without patient cost sharing, is available to millions
because of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). However, if breast
imaging is needed beyond a screening mammogram, patients are often
faced with hundreds-to-thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs,
creating a significant financial barrier to needed care.
"We want everyone to know that dense breast tissue alone doesn't
necessitate additional imaging—it's just one factor in breast
cancer risk," Guthrie added. "For those who do need imaging beyond
a mammogram, out-of-pocket costs are often a barrier. That's why
we’ve been advocating for state and federal legislation to
eliminate these expenses. We have the technology to detect breast
cancer earlier and save lives, financial barriers shouldn't stand
in the way. It's crucial for people to understand and have
affordable access to the breast imaging they need based on their
individual risk."
Susan G. Komen’s Center for Public Policy has been working with
state and federal lawmakers to pass legislation that removes the
out-of-pocket expense for imaging beyond a screening mammogram. To
date, 26 states have eliminated out-of-pocket costs to patients
with state-regulated health insurance plans for diagnostic and/or
supplemental imaging. At the federal level, the Access to Breast
Cancer Diagnosis Act has been introduced in the U.S. House and
Senate but passage is unlikely this Congress. Komen urges
legislative action to remove financial and administrative barriers
to needed breast imaging, ensuring all people can follow
recommended screening guidelines based on their individual
risk.
Komen’s Center for Public Policy recently hosted a webinar to
explain the new FDA rule and what it means for patients. Access the
recording here to learn more.
About Susan G. Komen®
Susan G. Komen® is the world’s leading nonprofit breast cancer
organization, working to save lives and end breast cancer forever.
Komen has an unmatched, comprehensive 360-degree approach to
fighting this disease across all fronts and supporting millions of
people in the U.S. and in countries worldwide. We advocate for
patients, drive research breakthroughs, improve access to
high-quality care, offer direct patient support and empower people
with trustworthy information. Founded by Nancy G. Brinker, who
promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would end the disease
that claimed Suzy’s life, Komen remains committed to supporting
those affected by breast cancer today, while tirelessly searching
for tomorrow’s cures. Visit komen.org or call 1-877 GO KOMEN.
Connect with us on social at
www.komen.org/contact-us/follow-us/.
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Amanda Debard 972-701-2131 adebard@komen.org