Currently, issuance of a post-mammography "lay" letter is federally mandated through the FDA's Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA). However, no requirement exists for the letter to contain breast density information. An MQSA reporting requirement amendment to include breast density notification in the "lay" letter would create a national standard for women across the country. An MQSA amendment can be accomplished either through federal legislation or regulation, and advocacy efforts have been initiated on both fronts. The Breast Density and Mammography Reporting Act was introduced in the last Congress by Reps. Rosa DeLauro (CT) and Steve Israel (NY), and they will be reintroducing it in 2013. Further, the FDA's Office of Legislative Affairs has reported to Rep. Israel that they are on track for releasing the proposed MQSA amended language in 2013.

Nationally, standardized breast density inform cannot come soon enough.


JoAnn Pushkin is a two-time breast cancer survivor and breast density inform advocate. She was instrumental in the introduction of both the New York State and Federal Breast Density and Mammography Reporting Act. Her initiative also led to the FDA's Mammography Quality Standards Act regulatory amendment consideration.

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