A new mandate by the FDA means people who get mammograms will now be informed of their breast density.
Here’s why that matters.
Beginning September 10, theFood and Drug Administrationis requiring radiologists to inform patients about their breast density status.
Thats because on a mammogram, dense tissue appears as either white or gray.
Unfortunately, so does cancer.
This was the case for JoAnn Pushkin.
researcher, radiologist, and distinguished professor of radiology at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
When Pushkin was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 46, she was shocked, confused, and angered.
I remember thinking, How is it that I dont know about this when it seems so routine?
How do you have a conversation about something you dont know that you should probably?
Not knowing this effectively denied me of an early diagnosis.
Heres Exactly How It Can Affect Your Poop
Thankfully, Pushkin is now a breast cancer survivor.
Since becoming cancer-free, she has used her experience to educate women about breast density.
Also known as digital breast tomosynthesis or DBT exams,3D mammogramsprovide radiologists with much more detailed imaging.
If your mammogram reveals you have dense breasts, you may also benefit from additional supplemental imaging.
This can include breast MRI, ultrasound, and sometimes contrast-enhanced breast CT scans.
researcher, radiologist, and distinguished professor of radiology at University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Dr. Berg says MRI is the preferred supplemental exam for identifying difficult-to-detect cancers.
It detects more cancers than any other screening test, she says.
On average, another one to three women will be found to have cancer after adding screening ultrasound.
Currently, the Affordable Care Act requires insurers to fully cover screening mammograms.
The same cannot be said for supplemental imaging.
MRIs in particular can sometimes cost thousands of dollars.
Abbreviated MRI uses fewer sequences and takes less time, but performs very well.
The Find It Early Act was introduced to Congress in December of 2022 and reintroduced in May 2023.
The additional screening recommended needs to be affordable and accessible, she says.
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