On June 1, 2015, Michigan joined more than twenty other states that have laws requiring patients be notified if they are found to have dense breast tissue on a mammogram. Dense breast tissue makes it more difficult to find breast cancer. Patients who have dense breast tissue may benefit from additional tests for the detection of breast cancer. The notification is intended for patients to understand that the mammogram may be less useful when the patient has dense breast tissue. This new law in Michigan may prompt some in Ohio to wonder, does Ohio have such a law? According to an interactive map of the 50 United States found on www.diagnosticimaging.com, Ohio does have such a law and the notification should state:

“Your mammogram demonstrates that you have dense breast tissue, which could hide abnormalities. Dense breast tissue, in and of itself, is a relatively common condition. Therefore, this information is not provided to cause undue concern; rather, it is to raise your awareness and promote discussion with your health care provider regarding the presence of dense breast tissue in addition to other risk factors.”

For more information:

http://www.diagnosticimaging.com/breast-imaging/breast-density-notification-laws-state-interactive-map

http://www.diagnosticimaging.com/breast-imaging/ohio-process

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(15zw1izhgndp04utcxd5hx3s))/mileg.aspx?page=GetObject&objectname=2014-sb-0879

http://www.areyoudense.org/