DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — A bill being considered by Iowa lawmakers would require that women who get mammogram exams would later be given a written statement about breast tissue density. Experts say dense breast tissue can make it harder for a mammogram to catch a possible tumor and may increase the risk of breast cancer. Bills are being considered in the Iowa House and Senate that would require Iowa’s Department of Public Health to adopt rules that breast density data would be included in mammogram reports to patients and physicians.
Dubuque Sen. Pam Jochum says the information would give women an extra sense of security. But some doctors say it could needlessly worry women and the state should leave such matters to physicians.