March 10, 2023
Public Health/Prevention | Tea Leaves
  • The FDA is updating mammography guidelines in a move that could protect people at higher risk of developing breast cancer but also drive up demand for more tests and screenings. The agency’s new rule requires mammogram providers to notify patients about breast density, which can make it harder to detect cancer and, as a result, puts some at increased risk of the disease. 38 states already have such reporting requirements. The FDA’s update takes effect in September 2024 and differs from guidance from the S. Preventive Services Task Force, which says that there’s “insufficient” evidence to suggest that there are benefits in additional screenings for women with dense breasts. (Articles here, here, here, and here)