Legislation + Education Updates in the U.S. and Abroad
Find It Early Act – Updated Statement of Support
DBI has played a pivotal role in drafting and advocating for this landmark legislation. The bill aims to eliminate patient costs for supplemental and diagnostic breast imaging for women with dense breasts or at increased risk, and close gaps in current state laws and federal guidelines. Crucially, it extends coverage across private and public plans, including Medicare, TRICARE, and the VHA. DBI has coordinated the latest update of the FIEA Statement of Support, now backed by a coalition of 50 leading organizations. To contact your federal representative to ask for their support of this bill, please visit FindItEarlyAct.org for lobbying tools, the Statement of Support, and FIEA Fact Sheet .
Canadian Society of Breast Imaging – Position Statement
The Canadian Society of Breast Imaging published their updated position statement on mammographic breast density and supplemental screening in the Journal of Breast Imaging. The statement, co-authored by DBI Medical Advisory Board members Paula Gordon, MD and Jean Seely MD, includes the following key recommendations for Canadian women:
- All women should begin regular screening mammography with digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) (or standard 2D mammography if DBT is unavailable) every 1-2 years beginning at age 40, unless individual risk assessment indicates earlier screening.
- Because vascular-based imaging (MRI or CEM) offers the highest sensitivity and specificity, women at average risk with heterogeneously or extremely dense breasts (ACR density categories C or D) should be offered supplemental screening in the following order of preference: MRI every 2 years, contrast-enhanced mammography every 2 years, or ultrasound annually.
- If availability of supplemental screening is limited, access should be prioritized for women with extremely dense breasts (ACR density category D).
- Women considered high risk for breast cancer (lifetime risk 20%-25% or greater) should have both annual mammography beginning at age 30 years and annual MRI screening from ages 25-69 years. Mammography alone is recommended to continue at age 70 and beyond.
Europe / UK Education
At the invitation of the University of Exeter, Cheryl Cruwys—DBI’s European Education Coordinator—will deliver a lecture to diagnostic radiography students on February 17th. Her presentation will cover the complexities of breast density and provide an overview of the professional healthcare resources available on the DBI website.