Breast density notification

Abstract

deeper understanding of the importance of breast density as a breast cancer risk factor has prompted a number of provincial and territorial screening programs to inform women of their breast density test results directly. Seven Canadian provinces inform all women of their breast density. Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador are committed to implementation of density notification. The Northwest Territories and Yukon notify only those with extremely dense breasts, while Quebec does not notify any women of density. Nunavut does not have a screening program. 1 On March 9, 2023, the US Food and Drug Administration mandated national reporting of breast density to patients and their health care providers in the United States to be implemented within 18 months. 2 These system changes will translate into many women looking to their FPs for more information on breast density. It is known that FPs are uncertain about best practices for discussing dense breasts and managing patients with dense breasts. 3,4 With breast density notification becoming nearly universal, it is time for FPs to become adequately prepared to counsel Canadian women about breast density, inherent risks of dense breasts, and appropriate management.This article has been peer reviewed.