DeLauro, Israel Introduce Breast Density Awareness Legislation
Provides information about breast density, risk for developing breast cancer
Washington, D.C.— Representatives Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and Steve Israel (D-NY) 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. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) will introduce a companion bill in the Senate soon. DeLauro and Israel introduced similar legislation in the 112th Congress.
"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."
Israelsaid, "Providing women with potentially life-saving information about their risk for developing breast cancer should be a no brainer. I'm proud to introduce legislation with my colleagues Rep. DeLauro and Sen. Feinstein to ensure that women receive this crucial information on their breast density after they undergo a mammogram."
"This issue of dense breast tissue as a risk and screening challenge will finally be exposed as the communication of dense tissue is standardized across the country," said Dr. Nancy Cappello, Executive Director and Founder of Are You Dense Advocacy, Inc. and the inspiration behind the first density reporting law in the country. "A woman's zip code will no longer be a factor as to whether she has information about her dense breast tissue which is material to her breast care. I applaud the leadership of Representatives DeLauro and Israel and Senator Feinstein for their relentless pursuit of equipping a woman with knowledge of her breast tissue composition so she can make an informed decision with her health care providers about her personal screening surveillance."
The Breast Density and Mammography Reporting Actensures the information women and their health care providers receive after a mammogram includes patient's relative breast density. Studies have shown that women with dense breast tissue are at least four times more likely to develop breast cancer. They 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. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, which seeks to raise awareness about the disease.