Breast Density Legislation in New England

Publication date: Available online 8 May 2017
Source:Academic Radiology
Author(s): Ana P. Lourenco, Roberta M. DiFlorio-Alexander, Priscilla J. Slanetz
Rationale and ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess radiologists' knowledge about breast density legislation as well as perceived practice changes resulting from the enactment of breast density legislation.Materials and MethodsThis is an institutional review board-exempt anonymous email survey of 523 members of the New England Roentgen Ray Society. In addition to radiologist demographics, survey questions addressed radiologist knowledge of breast density legislation, knowledge of breast density as a risk factor for breast cancer, recommendations for supplemental screening, and perceived practice changes resulting from density notification legislation.ResultsOf the 523 members, 96 responded, yielding an 18% response rate. Seventy-three percent of respondents practiced in a state with breast density legislation. Sixty-nine percent felt that breast density notification increased patient anxiety about breast cancer, but also increased patient (74%) and provider (66%) understanding of the effect of breast density on mammographic sensitivity. Radiologist knowledge of the relative risk of breast cancer when comparing breasts of different density was variable.ConclusionsConsiderable confusion and controversy regarding breast density persists, even among practicing radiologists.



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