Radiologists can work in tandem with their referring partners when determining how to personalize care for each woman. The results of a patient’s mammogram will go in a report to the medical professional that referred her for breast cancer screening. By aligning on the best way to share information about breast density, the entire care team can ensure patients receive the facts in a clear, understandable way. Together, health care professionals can be focused on each individual patient as they implement the new breast density requirements.

Most patients are not likely to have a high degree of awareness of breast density or complex medical terms, and clinicians must keep this in mind to optimize understanding and individual care. In fact, a recent survey of women aged 40 to 76 years found few respondents perceived breast density as a risk factor. Knowing this, facilities should carefully consider which communication methods are most effective for their patient population. MQSA requires written communication, such as a letter, to share breast tissue density information with patients, but the care team must ensure any written correspondence is comprehensible and clear. Written information should be presented at a fifth-grade reading level and provide concise direction on a patient’s next steps. By simplifying communications, patients may be more likely to understand what actions to take and questions to ask.


Whether this written communication prompts women to proactively follow up with questions about their breast density or not, facilities should be prepared to address the topic verbally with patients. Facilities should consider which medical professional will be speaking with the patient and in what setting. Health centers will need to review their staff workload and operations to decide if a radiologist, technician, or other medical support personnel is best suited for the role. Radiologists spend most of their day reviewing exams while mammography technologists perform exams. Some centers may have a limited number of radiologists and technicians who can take the time to explain breast tissue density. Facilities can look at other staff who can be trained to discuss breast density with patients. Each imaging center is unique and will need to determine how its staff can incorporate these additional conversations to best inform women, optimize understanding and personalize care.

Regardless of what verbal and written method is used, the FDA and other medical experts will likely require specific language that must be shared with patients. It is critical that facilities incorporate any required verbiage while also explaining the facts about breast density in a way most patients would understand. By committing to clear communication, providers are ensuring that the patient benefits most from these breast tissue density requirements.

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