Washington, D.C. – March 27, 2019 – A proposed rule issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today would modernize mammography quality standards and address breast density reporting to patients and their health care providers.
The following is a statement from Lisa Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN):
“We are pleased to see the agency issue a proposal that will empower women to make more informed decisions about their health. The proposal issued today related to breast density, which ACS CAN has continually advocated for, will help ensure women get the most accurate information they need following a mammogram.
“While screening mammography is currently considered the most effective way of detecting breast cancer and reducing mortality from the disease, it does have its limitations. This is particularly true for women with dense breast tissue. Dense breast tissue makes it more difficult for doctors to detect cancer from a mammogram because the dense tissue can mask potential masses or tumors. The FDA proposal to standardize reporting of dense breast tissue to patients and providers will allow women to make the best decision for their health in coordination with their doctor.
“We look forward to working with the FDA in the coming months to ensure the finalized rule on mammography empowers women to make more accurate and informed decisions about their health.”
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