News

Dense Breast / New CT Law Passes

Posted on: 09/30/2009

Women With Dense Breast Tissue Are At Increased Risk For Breast Cancer.         

While a mammogram detects 98% of cancers in women with fatty breast tissues,  it finds only 48% in women with dense breast tissue. The addition of a single screening ultrasound to mammogram increases detection of breast cancers that are small and node-negative. 

At Radiology Associates of Hartford, PC, we support the accomplishment in CT to ensure that women are aware of their breast density.  A recent CT State Law (S.B.458) passed that requires all mammography reports given to a patient on or after October 1, 2009 must include information about breast density for the early detection of breast cancer.  If your mammogram demonstrates that you have dense breast tissue, which could hide small abnormalities, the report should recommend that you might benefit from supplementary screening tests, which can include a breast ultrasound screening or a breast MRI examination, or both, depending on your individual risk factors.

Dr. Pupinder Jaswal, a Board Certified Radiologist at RAH, specializes in breast imaging and biopsies.  He recently interviewed  on "3 On Your Side" (Ch. 3's Consumer/Health Show) with Anchor, Al Terzi.  Dr. Jaswal states ““It is important for women with dense breasts to have a mammogram before proceeding to ultrasound. The combination of mammography and ultrasound is the most effective way to improve findings.  At RAH, we can provide these additional studies to all patients who fall into the dense breast category.”

The newly instated law was necessary to warrant requesting the exam and getting insurance carriers to recognize the additional testing as a covered and payable service.

HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE DENSE BREASTS?
 A radiologist can determine the density of a woman's breasts by examining a mammogram.
 Request a copy of your mammography report from your referring doctor. Make sure it is the report that is generated from the radiologist
 and not a form letter. Read the report carefully. Look for descriptions of your breast tissue.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE DENSE BREAST TISSUE?
 Talk to your doctor about having an ultrasound or breast MRI. Connecticut General Statute Sections 38a-503 and 38a-530 requires insurance companies to provide coverage for comprehensive ultrasound screening of an entire breast or breasts if a mammogram demonstrates heterogeneous or dense breast tissue
 based on the BIRADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) established by the American College of Radiology (ACR).   

REMEMBER TO:
 Conduct monthly self- breast exams and have your physician conduct a thorough yearly breast exam.
 Have a mammogram. A mammogram distinguishes the density of a woman’s breasts.