The Impact of Breast Density Reporting Laws on Women's Awareness of Density-Associated Risks and Conversations Regarding Supplemental Screening With Providers

Abstract

Objective: We conducted a national survey to understand the impact of state-level density reporting laws on women's level of density risk awareness and their engagement in conversations with providers regarding supplemental screening.

Methods: In all, 1,500 US women aged 40 to 74 years who obtained a mammogram within 2 years were surveyed in February 2018. The sampling design yielded 300 respondents in each of five groups categorized based on density reporting law features. Women were asked about their breast density-related knowledge, importance of being notified, and sources of information and if conversations with providers regarding density and supplemental screening occurred. Survey results were compared across groups and between women residing in states with versus without density laws.

Results: The majority of respondents in all groups felt that it is important for women to know their breast density type (range, 85%-90%). Women were most likely informed of breast density type by a health care provider (range, 68%-72%), followed by the mammography result letter (range, 48%-68%), and then a radiologist (range, 46%-61%). Women from states with a density law were significantly more likely to have learned of their breast tissue type from a mammogram results letter (60% versus 48%, P = .011) and discuss supplemental screening (67% versus 53%, respectively; P = .008) than women from states without a law.

Conclusion: State-level density reporting laws are associated with increased breast density awareness and increased likelihood of conversations between women and their providers regarding supplemental screening.

Keywords: Breast density; breast cancer; patient advocacy; supplemental screening.