During the 2013 legislative session, Senate Bill 420 was passed which directs health care facilities offering mammography services to provide an advisement in the form prescribed by the Oregon Health Authority to patients with dense breast tissue. Specific advisement language is required, including the possibility of the need for supplemental imaging based on the patient's risk factors. This information is to be provided within the lay person summary mammography report issued to the patient.
The following language is required to be included within the lay summary report when dense breast tissue has been determined by a radiologist:
"Your mammogram shows that your breast tissue is dense. Dense breast tissue is common and is not abnormal. However, dense breast tissue can make it harder to evaluate the results of your mammogram and may also be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. This information about the results of your mammogram is given to you to raise your awareness and to promote discussion with your health care provider. Together, you can decide if you may benefit from further screening. A report of your results was sent to your health care provider."
The facility is required to have a written policy of when and how they will communicate cases of extreme breast density and heterogeneous breast density.
Additional information