Dear Women's Imaging Insider,
In 2009, Connecticut was the first state to pass legislation mandating that women with dense breast tissue be notified of this fact and advised of supplemental imaging options. Since then, 31 other states have followed suit, to the satisfaction of patient advocacy groups.
But do physicians in states with these types of laws really understand what is required of them? Do they believe there is sufficient evidence for supplemental imaging of women with dense breasts? And do they feel prepared to discuss the issue with their patients?
Not really, say researchers from Boston Medical Center. In this issue's Insider Exclusive, we're highlighting a study that found that almost half of primary care providers don't feel equipped to respond to patient questions about breast density, and only 41% are aware of persuasive evidence for supplemental screening. Click here to learn more.
After you've read our featured article, take a look at what else is going on in the Women's Imaging Community:
- Check out the American College of Radiology's latest recommendations for screening women at high risk of breast cancer.
- How should breast cancer survivors be tracked after surgical treatment? Find out what Mayo Clinic researchers have to say.
- Learn why more women are getting breast cancer screening. (Hint: The Affordable Care Act's ban on copays for the service has something to do with it.)
- Discover how 3D power Doppler can help detect fetal growth restriction -- leading to better surveillance strategies.
- Should chest CT scans be reviewed for breast lesions? Definitely, say researchers from Mount Sinai Health System in New York City.
- Find out how a 3D-printed breast biopsy device can boost the accuracy of cancer diagnosis.
And of course, if you have a comment, report, or article idea to share about any aspect of women's imaging, please contact me.
