12/21/2023
Have you heard of the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA 1992)?
Recently there was an update:
One of the key updates to regulations under the MQSA requires facilities to provide information to patients regarding the density of their breasts. Approximately half of women over the age of 40 in the U.S. have dense breast tissue, a description of its appearance on a mammogram. Dense breast tissue can make cancers more difficult to detect on a mammogram. Additionally, dense breasts have been identified as a risk factor for developing breast cancer. The amendments finalized today provide specific language explaining how breast density can influence the accuracy of mammography. They recommend patients with dense breasts talk to their health care provider about breast density, risks for breast cancer and their individual situation.
Unfortunately today, most doctors do not give women with dense breasts options other than mammograms. There are options, breast thermography, breast ultrasound (which is typically done after a questionable mammogram), and breast MRI.
Know your breasts, know your options. Message me if you want to know more.
