Germany Mandates Breast Density Info in Mammogram Reports from September 2024
From September 2024, German law mandates that mammogram reports must specify breast density and discuss further imaging options for dense breasts. This move aims to enhance breast cancer awareness and detection.
Breast density, previously overlooked, is now recognised as a crucial factor in breast cancer risk. It is unrelated to breast size and can vary over time. About 40% of women have dense breasts, which appear white on mammograms, making it challenging to spot abnormalities.
The American College of Radiology recommends yearly mammograms for most women from age 40. Additional screening tests, like 3D mammography, breast ultrasound, or MRI, are suggested based on risk factors and dense breasts. Factors increasing the likelihood of dense breasts include younger age, pregnancy or breastfeeding, hormone replacement therapy, and lower body weight.
Breast density slightly raises breast cancer risk, with other factors like family history or gene mutations carrying greater risks. Women with dense breasts are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop breast cancer, although mortality rates remain unaffected.
The new law, introduced by federal health authorities, ensures mammogram reports provide comprehensive information about breast density and additional imaging possibilities. This step promotes better breast cancer awareness and detection, particularly for women with dense breasts.
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