Politics on the Hudson

A new law signed today by Gov. Andrew Cuomo will require medical professionals to tell patients if dense breast tissue is discovered during a mammogram.

The idea, according to backers of the bills, is to make sure women with dense tissue are aware of the potential increased risks associated. In particular, it can be harder to find lumps or cancerous tumors when the tissue is dense.

“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.

The bill was sponsored by Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee, D-Suffern, Rockland County, and Suffolk County Sen. John Flanagan, a Republican.

The new law takes effect in 180 days.

When it becomes law, a patient with dense breast tissue will receive this notification after a mammogram:

“Your mammogram shows that your breast tissue is dense. Dense breast tissue is very common and is not abnormal. However, dense breast tissue can make it harder to find cancer on a mammogram and may also be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. This information about the result of your mammogram is given to you to raise your awareness. Use this information to talk to your doctor about your own risks for breast cancer. At that time, ask your doctor if more screening tests might be useful, based on your risk. A report of your results was sent to your physician.”