Almost half of women over 40 have dense breast tissue, which is tied to a higher risk of breast cancer -- and also makes it harder to detect cancer.
The FDA released new standards on Thursday requiring mammogram providers to inform women if they have dense breast tissue and consult their doctors about whether to get additional screenings. (iStock)
Mammogram providers will be required to inform women with dense breast tissue that their cancer screenings may be difficult to interpret and suggest that they consult their doctors about the need for additional tests, the Food and Drug Administration announced on Thursday.
Supporters of the FDA’s long-expected decision say the new standards will save lives by helping women learn about their breast density risks and potentially detect cancer earlier. Providers must implement the new regulations within 18 months, the agency said.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, after skin cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women overall. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2023, about 297,790 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer and some 43,700 will die of the disease.
“Today’s action represents the agency’s broader commitment to support innovation to prevent, detect and treat cancer,” Hilary Marston, the FDA’s chief medical officer, said in a statement.
Thirty-eight states already require that women be informed if their mammograms reveal dense breasts, but the language varies widely and does not always require providers to recommend that women seek guidance about additional tests. The FDA’s decision sets a minimum standard for about 8,700 facilities across the United States, while states can still require even more in-depth language.
Read more at Washington Post.