Dense Breast Screening Notice to Patients

If a mammography examination reveals a patient is categorized as having heterogeneously dense breasts or extremely dense breasts, based on the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System established by the American College of Radiology, the health facility shall include in the summary of the written report that is sent to the patient, as required by federal law, the following notice: “Your mammogram shows that your breast tissue is dense. Dense breast tissue is common and is not abnormal. However, dense breast tissue can make it harder to evaluate the results of your mammogram and may also be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Your exam was completed using a film-based system. You are advised to consider digital mammography as it has been shown to be more effective for the detection of breast cancer in women with dense breasts CH. 2 DIVISION OF PUBLIC WELFARE when compared to mammography using a film-based system. This information about the results of your mammogram is given to you to raise your awareness and should be discussed with your health care provider. Together, you can decide which screening options are right for you. A report of your results was sent to your physician.”