Senator John A. DeFrancisco (R-I-C, Syracuse) announced that a new law will take effect tomorrow, January 19, 2013, which will require patients to be informed by their health care provider when dense breast tissue has been discovered during a breast exam. Additionally, patients must be informed about the importance of discussing additional screening options with their doctor.

“Dense breast tissue increases the risk of a woman developing breast cancer, and it makes the cancer harder to find. We need to educate women on this fact so that they can take the extra measures necessary in order to detect cancer as early as possible. As we all know, early detection is the key to a positive outcome in the fight against breast cancer,” said Senator DeFrancisco.

Research shows that dense breast tissue can make it more difficult to find cancer on a mammogram and may be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. But according to a recent poll, 95% of women are unaware of their own breast density.

This new law will help to ensure that women throughout New York have access to the important medical information they need to make smart decisions about their own health care.

“I hope this law will lead to earlier detection of this disease in our mothers, daughters, sisters, and aunts, and help to save lives,” concluded Senator DeFrancisco.