Breast Density Notification Laws - Rhode Island

Beginning October 2014. 

Recipient: All patients receive individual breast tissue classification based on BI-RADS; patients with heterogeneously or extremely dense breasts receive below notice.

Notification text: “Your mammogram indicates that you have dense breast tissue. Dense breast tissue is relatively common and is found in about forty percent (40%) of women. The presence of dense tissue can make it more difficult to detect cancers in the breast by mammography because it can hide small abnormalities and may be associated with an increased risk. Hence, you may benefit from supplementary screening tests, which may include a breast ultrasound screening, or a breast MRI examination, or both, depending on your individual risk factors. We are providing this information to raise your awareness of this important factor and to encourage you to discuss your dense breast tissue, as well as other breast cancer risk factors, with your health care provider. Together, you can decide which screening options are right for you. A report of your results was sent to your physician. You should contact your physician if you have any questions or concerns about this report."

Legislation: The Dense Breast Notification and Education Act