Beginning today, all U.S. women will receive standardized information regarding their breast density.   If you have dense breast tissue, be aware and be active.  Screening breast ultrasounds, in addition to mammograms, save lives.   

During this month of Breast Cancer Awareness, we come together to uplift those whose lives have been touched by this challenge.  Their strength, resilience, and unwavering spirit inspire us all.  Survivors, you are never alone on this journey.  Let’s spread hope, knowledge and love as we stand united against breast cancer.   #thinkpink #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth​

This week the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force came out with a draft version of revised guidelines for mammography screening. The new recommendation endorses biennial screening mammography beginning at age 40 for all women. While this is an improvement over the prior recommendation to begin screening at age 50, it falls short of the current recommendation by the Society of Breast Imaging and the American College of Radiology to obtain annual mammograms beginning at age 40. Numerous studies have shown a significant increase in lives saved by early detection with annual screening mammography in women ages 40-74. Concern for radiation risk due to annual screening is really of no concern! The benefits of a mammogram each year far outweigh any risks from the minimal radiation dose. And concern for increased false positives and increased anxiety should also be reevaluated! Delaying a screening mammogram can delay detection of an early stage cancer, leaving a patient at risk of undergoing treatment for a larger, possibly more aggressive cancer. The small amount of anxiety associated with a mammogram should be compared with the larger amount of anxiety associated with a diagnosis of breast cancer. Lastly, the task force claims to need additional evidence to recommend additional screening in dense breast patients. The studies are out there… screening breast ultrasound has been shown to detect 4-6 additional cancers per 1000 women, and breast MRI detects up to 15 additional cancers per 1000 women. As we continue to make progress with the USPSTF, continued annual screening beginning at age 40 and advised supplemental screening in dense breast patients will remain the recommendation of both the SBI and ACR

​It is with great pleasure that I applaud my dear friend, Jan Kritzman, for her tireless efforts and dedication in obtaining insurance coverage in the state of Connecticut for women undergoing both breast and ovarian cancer screening and diagnosis.  Jan was instrumental in the passage of a 2019 CT bill mandating insurance coverage for screening breast ultrasounds in women who have dense breast tissue.  And once again, as a result of her persistence and commitment to save lives, she was able to get her proposed bill (SB358) passed in both the Senate and House this year.  The new bill will extend insurance coverage to include diagnostic mammography, diagnostic breast ultrasound, breast MRI, breast biopsies, breast surgical procedures, and ovarian cancer screening exams.  What an honor it is to have Jan as a great friend and an amazing advocate for breast and ovarian cancer awareness!  Please take the time to read the article in today’s Hartford Courant…

I am excited to help promote a new app specifically designed for breast cancer patients.  Outcomes4me, recently launched, is the brainchild of a team of healthcare professionals, engineers, and patient advocates.  The founders of the company focused on breast cancer, as this common diagnosis can often be overwhelming and difficult to come to terms with for many women, and men.  Utilizing their expertise and clinical experience, the Outcomes4Me team assembled an easy to use app that allows patients to learn about treatment options, understand symptoms and explore clinical trials. Patients are able to ask questions and share their own journey.  The app connects breast cancer patients across the United States and hopes each individual experience can lead to a deeper insight and improved outcome for those involved. Recently added to the app is a questionnaire regarding genetic testing. Outcomes4Me aims to empower the patient and lend a hand during a difficult time.  I encourage you to check it out and pass along the information to friends and family. Click here for more information:  Outcomes4Me ​

To download the app for Apple click here: Apple
To download the app for Android click here: Android

I am honored to be a part of an advocacy program for Breast Density Awareness in Ireland.  Beingdense.com was started by Siobhan Freeney, a breast cancer survivor since 2015.  She is following in the footsteps of Dr. Nancy Cappello in promoting awareness of breast density in Ireland.  Have a look at her website and blog page.  

​3D mammography (DBT-Digital Breast Tomosynthesis) has been promoted to the public as the “latest and greatest” form of mammographic imaging. Mammography centers have been slowly converting their systems to 3D units, as many feel pressure to keep up with their imaging competitors. Research has shown that 3D imaging significantly decreases call-back rates, however the cancer detection rate has only been shown to increase by 1-2 incidences/1000 patients.  This month a study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found no significant difference in the cancer detection rate of 2D full-field digital mammography vs. 3D mammography. Perhaps those who are being persuaded to have 3D mammography should look further into the necessity of such imaging. It is important to note that in most cases a 2D image is also acquired when a 3D image is obtained, thus doubling radiation dose.  Additionally, many insurance carriers do not cover the cost of screening with 3D. Be aware of your care!

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