DeLauro, Israel, Fitzpatrick Introduce Breast Density Awareness Legislation

WASHINGTON, DC— Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), Steve Israel (D-NY) and Mike Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the Breast Density and Mammography Reporting Act today. The bill would help raise awareness of breast cancer risks and the importance of appropriate screening. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) are introducing a companion bill in the Senate. DeLauro and Israel introduced similar legislation in the 112th and 113th Congresses.

“By providing this simple piece of information, we can help women and their doctors make more informed decisions about their risks for developing breast cancer, helping improve their chances for early detection and survival,” said DeLauro. “As a survivor of ovarian cancer who is only here today because my cancer was caught early, I know how important it is to be aware of your risks. Increased awareness means earlier detection, and that means more women will have a fighting chance against this terrible disease.”

Israel said, “It is crucial that women be notified that their breast density level increases their chances of mammograms failing to detect breast cancer. I am proud to join Reps. DeLauro and Fitzpatrick in reintroducing this legislation, which will ensure this potentially life-saving information is shared with every woman who undergoes a mammogram.”

“As the son and brother of breast cancer survivors, and a cancer survivor myself, I am fully committed to providing a strong voice in Congress for the needs of cancer patients, families and doctors in my district and around the nation,” said Fitzpatrick. “The fight against cancer is one that transcends politics and I am proud to join Reps. DeLauro and Israel in this bipartisan push for increased awareness and access to information about breast cancer. By working together we can pass common sense bills that increase the quality of life and care for patients and ultimately put an end to the despicable disease.”

The Breast Density and Mammography Reporting Act ensures the information women and their health care providers receive after a mammogram includes a patient’s relative breast density. Studies have shown that women with dense breast tissue, approximately 40 percent of the population, are at least four times more likely to develop breast cancer. Women with dense breast tissue are also more likely to have an inaccurate mammogram reading because of their tissue density. Only 40-50 percent of cancer in dense breast tissue is identified in a mammogram.

About 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 American women die from the disease annually.


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