On average close to 50% of women have dense breast tissue identified on mammography. Having dense breast tissue makes it more challenging to find breast cancer on a mammogram as the dense tissue is white and breast cancer can hide within this tissue. In addition, having dense breasts is considered an independent risk factor for breast cancer and raises the risk of that patient developing breast cancer. Although New York State has a law to inform all patients having a mammogram of their breast density since 2013, still, few women are aware that having dense breasts is a significant risk factor for breast cancer.
Thirty-eight states require that women receive written notification (Breast Cancer Notification Rule) about their breast density and potential breast cancer risk after a mammogram. The wording of breast density notification varies from state to state. However, many states do not currently have a requirement to notify patients of their breast density, cancer risk, or the importance of talking to a healthcare provider about their breast density.
Recently, Congress revealed the Breast Density and Mammography Reporting Act that directs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue a national reporting standard requiring all mammography reports to include an assessment of breast density. The FDA recently announced a national reporting standard requiring mammogram reports to include breast density information, which will go into effect on September 10, 2024.
Under the new rules, women in every state will receive a written notice informing them of their breast density status. Patients will be told if they are DENSE or NOT DENSE and advised to speak with their health care provider about their results. Patients having a mammogram examination in every state will have information and education about their breast density. In addition, patients with dense breasts may be eligible for additional screening tools such as ultrasound and MRI. Elizabeth Wende Breast Care (EWBC) offers screening breast ultrasound for patients with dense breast tissue at all seven of our facilities. Breast MRI is offered in Brighton (our original office).
EWBC is proud to know those who have advocated for this change and remain committed to the early detection of breast cancer. (For more information: densebreast-info.org/)
Katie Couric used her diagnosis to advocate and strengthen breast cancer awareness, especially among those with dense breasts. A Federal bill was introduced in Congress with Katie Couric on December 12, 2022, called the “Find It Early Act,” which will require all insurance plans, including Medicare, to cover screening and diagnostic breast imaging with no out-of-pocket costs for women with dense breasts or at higher risk for breast cancer. Included are mammography, breast ultrasound, and breast MRI.
The overall goal of the Find It Early Act is to reduce the number of cancer-related deaths in the US by promoting early detection and prevention measures, improving access to screening and diagnostic tests, and increasing public awareness about the importance of early detection and prevention.
To find out more or to support the “Find It Early Act”: densebreast-info.org/legislative-information/find-it-early-act/
A routine mammogram appointment at Elizabeth Wende Breast Care (EWBC) may seem like a simple exam. However, we utilize an incredible amount of technology in the background to benefit our patients.
The latest buzz in the medical community is using artificial intelligence (AI), specifically artificial intelligence, to interpret radiology exams, such as a mammogram. There are several AI programs available on the market today. However, these programs are not standardized or endorsed by the American College of Radiology (ACR) as a replacement for the expertise of a breast imaging radiologist- the doctor reading your mammogram.
Just after Thanksgiving every year, Dr. Stamatia Destounis of Elizabeth Wende Breast Care (EWBC) heads to The Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL. She has been dedicating this week to the meeting for more than 30 years. RSNA promotes excellence in patient care and health care delivery through education, research, and technological innovation. This international radiology meeting is a group of the greatest minds in all areas of radiology, including breast imaging. Dr. Destounis will present on various breast imaging topics throughout the week.
the USA in “Challenging Breast Cases: A Game Show USA Versus Europe,” which is an image interpretation quiz focused on breast imaging cases in a competitive format. A group of junior and senior breast imaging experts, as well as the respective presidents from the Society of Breast Imaging (SBI) and the European Society of Breast Imaging (EUSOBI), will ‘clash’ in a friendly contention. Based on clinical information and images, intermediate and expert breast cases will be discussed and solved.
October and Breast Cancer Awareness Month have ended; Dr. Stamatia Destounis from Elizabeth Wende Breast Care in Rochester said that this month gives women the opportunity to talk to each other and to provide education and awareness.
You’ve probably heard you should get an annual mammogram starting at age 40. However, most women don’t know where to start when it comes to selecting a breast care center. Here is a checklist when choosing a breast center.
Dr. Lisa Paulis reminds women not to ignore their own health while busy taking care of others. Preventative cancer screenings are important. Early detection is key.
Are you dense? About 50% of women over 40 have dense breasts and are at higher risk for breast cancer. Ultrasound improves detection for women with dense breasts.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI is a highly sensitive, noninvasive diagnostic tool often used in conjunction with mammography and ultrasound. It helps physicians evaluate the extent of breast cancer, as well as establish a treatment plan and monitor a patient’s response to chemotherapy. This advanced technology is also a valuable screening tool for patients considered to be at high risk for breast cancer, whether due to strong family history, genetic risk, personal history, or other risk factors.