California has become the fifth state to require that women receive information about breast density along with the results of their mammograms. Gov. Jerry Brown (D) signed SB 1538 on Sept. 22.
Under the law, a mammography report must note if the patient has dense breasts, point out that dense breasts can make it harder to evaluate a mammogram, and inform patients that having dense breasts may be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Courtesy Rhoda Baer/National Cancer Institute (NCI)
California is the fifth state to require a breast density notification with mammogram results.
Once the law is in effect April 2, 2013, mammogram reports will advise women that the information is meant to inform conversations with their doctor so that together they can decide which screening options are right for them.
Gov. Brown vetoed similar legislation last year saying that it went too far by advising that additional screening may be beneficial. Four other states – Virginia, New York, Connecticut, and Texas – have also enacted breast density notification laws. Legislation is also being considered in a dozen other states and at the federal level, according to the advocacy group Are You Dense?.