Have Breast Density Notification Laws Affected Stage at Diagnosis?

Legislation requiring breast density reporting did not reduce the incidence of advanced-stage breast cancer.

About 40% of women are reported to have dense breast tissue. Breast density is an independent risk factor for breast cancer, and the sensitivity of mammography to detect malignancy is diminished in dense breasts. Although evidence is insufficient to support supplemental screening with ultrasound or breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in women with dense breasts, 28 states have passed breast density notification laws requiring women to be notified of their breast density on mammography (and in some states, to receive notification about possible supplemental imaging).

Investigators used U.S. breast cancer incidence data from 13 states, two of which (California and Connecticut) have breast density notification laws. They compared stage at d…

Reviewing Author

Laila Samiian, MD

Disclosures

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAssociation of Women Surgeons (Member, Publications Committee)

Laila Samiian, MD

Disclosures

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAssociation of Women Surgeons (Member, Publications Committee)

Have Breast Density Notification Laws Affected Stage at Diagnosis?

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Reviewing Author