Investigators: Louise Henderson (PI), Sheila Lee, and Robert Agans
Funding Source: National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute
Funding Duration: 2016-2018
Description: Early detection of breast cancer with mammography screening reduces cancer mortality by 15%; however, mammography screening does not perform equally well among all women. In particular, breast cancers are less likely to be seen on screening mammography among women with dense breasts. To make women aware of the known limitations of mammography in women with dense breasts, state specific legislation has been introduced to encourage dialogue between women and their physicians about supplemental screening options such as whole-breast ultrasound (US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT). The objective of this study was to determine if the North Carolina breast density law impacts screening behavior in a diverse population and to elucidate how breast imaging facilities across the state are interpreting and implementing the law. With this information we aimed to better understand how supplemental screening among women with dense breasts is being utilized given the widespread attention to breast density legislation across the country.