New Mammography Notification Required by Law

NEW YORK—Mammography providers across New York state will soon be required to include an extra notification for patients who are found to have dense breast tissue. This is thanks to a new law signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo Monday.

The new measure is aimed at improving breast cancer detection. Breast cancer kills approximately 1,260 women in New York City every year, according to statistics from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

“Early detection can save lives and this new law will give women who may be at a higher risk for breast cancer the information they need to consult with their physician about follow-up screening and other preventive measures,” Cuomo said in a statement.

Dense breast tissue, which is non-fatty, connective tissue, appears as solid white on a mammogram. Cancerous tumors also appear as white, making them more difficult to detect, according to the Mayo Clinic. Dense tissue is less transparent than fat tissue, making the mammograms difficult to interpret.

The new notification will advise women to consult further with a doctor regarding further tests.

“With the approval of this new law today, women will have better health care information to pursue other screening options to find cancers early, when they are most treatable and survivable,” Sen. John J. Flanagan, co-sponsor of the bill, said in a statement.

The law will take effect in six months.

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