6th International Workshop on Breast Densitometry and Breast ...

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6 th <strong>International</strong> <strong>Workshop</strong> on Breast Densitometry
and Breast Cancer Risk Assessment
BREAST DENSITY INFORM: NEW YORK STATE AND FEDERAL INITIATIVES
J o A n n P u s h k i n; CoFounder, D.E.N.S.E.; Founder, D.E.N.S.E. NY; (Density Education National
Survivors' Effort)
Introduction: Breast density compromises the effectiveness of a mammogram and is recognized as an
independent risk factor for breast cancer ii . These facts are especially alarming as 40% iii of women of
mammography age have dense breasts and 95% iv of women have no knowledge of their own breast
density. However, as recently as four years ago breast density disclosure was not required through state
or federal law. Based on the ultrasound “find rate” in Connecticut, the first state to pass a density inform
law in 2009, it is estimated that each year at least 2,500 New York State women with dense breasts
receive “normal/negative” mammogram results - but actually have invasive breast cancer that would be
found by ultrasound screening.
Purpose: To provide NYS women information about their own breast density, I sought the introduction of
the NYS Breast Density Inform bill and cofounded D.E.N.S.E. (TM) (Density Education National
Survivors’ Effort) to support legislation.
ABSTRACTS
Method: Advocacy included: initiating bill introduction, providing input on bill language, responding to
opposition concerns, building a coalition of radiological experts, advocates and supportive organizations,
meeting with Governor Cuomo’s health counsel, organizing a capital Lobby Day and reaching out to NYS
legislature.
Result: On July 23, 2012, New York’s Breast Density Inform Bill was signed into law by Governor
Cuomo having received unanimous bi-partisan support. NY became the first state to unambiguously tell
women if they have dense breasts. NYS law requires a woman with dense tissue (>50% density) be
informed:
1. Her mammogram shows that her breast tissue is dense
2. Dense tissue can compromise a mammogram
3. Dense tissue may be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer
4. To discuss the value of additional screening with her doctor
As a result, New York women are now aware about their breast density and its associated risks.
Multi-state Status: Six states v have mandatory Breast Density Inform Laws, each with a different density
notification. Further almost half the country has density legislation pending. As a result, women living in
neighboring states may get very different density notifications.
Federal Solution: A national standardized Breast Density Inform notification is necessary to rectify this
growing inequity. For this reason an amendment to the Federal Mammography Quality Standards Act to
require the inclusion of breast density in the letter women receive after their mammogram, and a Federal
Breast Density Inform Bill have been initiated, the latter of which has 45 co-sponsors and is scheduled for
a 2013 re-introduction to the House.
Through intensive advocacy work and with bi-partisan support it is possible to enact breast density inform
legislation and make breast density awareness a national priority.
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