DeLauro, Fitzpatrick Applaud Food and Drug Administration’s Breast Density Notification Rule
Today, U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) praised the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for rolling out its breast density notification rule, which would require providers to notify women with dense breasts of their status and the potential need for further screening to detect any breast cancer.
DeLauro and Fitzpatrick previously worked together on the Breast Density and Mammography Reporting Act, which directed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue this nationwide reporting standard to require all mammography reports to include an assessment of breast density. This policy change was included in the Fiscal Year 2020 Consolidated Appropriations Act.
“When it comes to surviving cancer, early detection is key,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “99 percent of women who receive an early breast cancer diagnosis survive it, however, not every woman has the necessary tools or insight to ensure they are being properly screened for breast cancer. That is why Congressman Fitzpatrick and I fought for the FDA to develop a nationwide standard for notifying women about their breast density and the need for additional screenings to potentially detect cancer.
“I’m thrilled to see the FDA mandate this important standard for breast density notification. This new guidance will make a difference for women seeking their annual scans and allow them to have all the information about their results,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “As the son and brother of breast cancer survivors, I fully understand the grave impact this disease has on families. Increasing early detection is the best way to improve outcomes, and this new standard does just that.”
DeLauro and Fitzpatrick will be reintroducing the Find It Early Act whichwould ensure all health insurance plans cover screening and diagnostic mammograms and breast ultrasounds and MRIs with no cost-sharing. Unfortunately, when follow-up and additional screenings are needed because of their breast density, family history, or for any other reason, depending on their health insurance, the majority of women are forced to pay out of pocket for these additional screenings, which can cost more than $1,000. As a result, many who cannot afford this cost will choose to delay or forego these additional tests, which and that decision to delay screening can lead to later stage diagnosis.
“I am proud to see this rule finally released, as it will save lives and improve the health for thousands of American women,” DeLauro continued. “Next, I will focus my attention in getting our Find It Early Act passed to ensure that once women are notified they have dense breasts they do not face out-of-pocket costs that may lead them to delay and forego these additional screenings.”