FDA issues final rule on breast density notifications
(WASHINGTON) TND -- Spotlight on America sounded the alarm about a disturbing gap in our nation’s healthcare protocols when it comes to breast cancer.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 40% of women have dense breast tissue – which is a risk for cancer – yet many women had no idea because there was no requirement for mammogram centers to communicate this information to their patients.
The FDA announced its final rule on this issue, which requires providers to notify women with dense breasts of their status and the potential need for further screening to detect any breast cancer on Thursday. Rosa DeLauro, D-CT, a longtime advocate on this issue was featured in previous Spotlight on America reports.
She partnered with Brian Fitzpatrick, R-PA, to push for this rule.
“When it comes to surviving cancer, early detection is key,” said Congresswoman DeLauro. “Ninety-nine percent of women who receive an early breast cancer diagnosis survive it, however, not every woman has the necessary tools or insight to ensure they are being properly screened for breast cancer,” she said.
“That is why Congressman Fitzpatrick and I fought for the FDA to develop a nationwide standard for notifying women about their breast density and the need for additional screenings to potentially detect cancer,” she added
Fitzpatrick says this new guidance will make a difference for all women.
“I’m thrilled to see the FDA mandate this important standard for breast density notification,” Fitzpatrick said.
“As the son and brother of breast cancer survivors, I fully understand the grave impact this disease has on families. Increasing early detection is the best way to improve outcomes, and this new standard does just that,” he said.
DeLauro and Fitzpatrick will be reintroducing the Find It Early Act which would ensure all health insurance plans cover screening and diagnostic mammograms and breast ultrasounds and MRIs with no cost-sharing.
Spotlight on America will continue to closely follow this issue.
