Breast Density Law
New York State Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo signed legislation on July 23, 2012 that required all radiologists to inform women, beginning on Jan. 1, 2013, if they have dense breast tissue. New York is the fourth state to require this reporting to both the patient and their doctor.
How will this change my mammogram?
Your mammogram will still be performed as normal, it is the reporting procedure that will change. Every report will provide details on whether or not you have dense breast tissue. Approximately 40 percent of women who have mammograms have been shown to have dense breast tissue. Dense breast tissue can make it more challenging for your radiologist to interpret your mammogram. However, that doesn’t mean mammography cannot detect breast cancers and other abnormalities on women that have dense breast tissue.
Windsong is the first and only imaging facility in Buffalo and Western New York to have Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) available at our 55 Spindrift Drive office in Williamsville. DBT is the newest mammography technology, and it is essentially a 3D mammogram. DBT is being offered to patients with known dense breast tissue as an additional tool for breast cancer detection.
At Windsong, you will always have the opportunity to speak with a women’s imaging radiologist after your mammogram to discuss your findings and ask about additional imaging such as Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (3D mammography), breast ultrasound or breast MRI. Your doctor will also be informed of your breast density, and you will be encouraged to discuss your breast density with your doctor to decide if additional imaging is necessary for you.
Windsong Radiology Group is an ACR (American College of Radiology) designated Breast Center of Excellence. The Windsong Comprehensive Breast Care team is also the only Western New York facility to be accredited by the NAPBC (National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers) through the American College of Surgeons.
