Got Dense Breasts? Here’s What the FDA’s New Rule Means for You!

In March 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) passed a critical mandate regarding breast density. Under this new rule, mammography centers across the United States must notify women about their breast density after undergoing a mammogram. This mandate went into effect on September 10, 2024, and aims to standardize breast density notifications to help women make informed decisions about their breast health. Breast density is an important factor in breast cancer risk, but until now, there were inconsistencies in how states communicated this information. Some states had clear laws requiring breast density notification, while others lacked a uniform approach, leaving many women unaware of their dense breast tissue and its implications. The Susan G. Komen Foundation, a leading breast cancer advocacy group, has been pushing for national legislation to ensure that women are informed about breast density, applauding the FDA’s decision. While this mandate is a significant step forward, much work remains to educate women on what breast density means and how it impacts their health. “Knowing you have dense breasts is crucial. If a mammogram reveals dense breasts, your doctor should inform you, both in person and in writing. What you do with that information is equally...