Study on breast density notification narratives draws mixed reaction

A recent Australian study criticizing narratives surrounding breast density notification has drawn mixed reactions from radiologists and advocates of breast cancer screening. The study, published February 14 in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), suggested that feminist narratives are being used by companies to influence women’s health. This includes the view that all women undergoing breast cancer screening should be notified of their breast density. The study was led by Tessa Copp, PhD, from the University of Sydney. Radiologists have studied and continue to research how breast density plays into breast cancer risk. Previous studies have demonstrated that dense breast tissue masks breast cancers on mammography, and that supplemental imaging such as ultrasound and MRI confirms suspicious findings within dense tissue. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2023 amended its Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA) to mandate that breast imaging facilities notify patients of their breast density. The law goes into effect September 10, 2024. Breast radiologists and advocates alike have applauded the amendment. “The goal of the national density law is to provide information to women and providers to facilitate discussing breast cancer risk and supplemental imaging and whether to consider extra testing or an alternative screening strategy,” said Karla Kerlikowske, MD, from the University of California, San Francisco. Kerlikowske has studied breast density on imag...
Source: AuntMinnie.com Headlines - Category: Radiology Authors: Tags: Subspecialties Breast Imaging Source Type: news