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Most of us have either gotten a mammogram or know someone who has–that uncomfortable yet important checkup to make sure we’re breast cancer free. But in recent years it’s become clear that mammography might not be enough.
This is especially true for women with dense breasts–meaning they have densely fibrous tissue–which makes it hard to see tumors on mammogram slides.
Six years ago Connecticut became the first state requiring doctors to notify women if they have dense breasts. And since then almost half the country has followed.
But experts are divided about whether mandatory notification laws are saving lives or prompting unnecessary tests. And now, with federal legislation on the table, the debate is heating up.
Cindy Olmstead with her husband Bill celebrating her 5 year mark of being cancer free. Courtesy of Cindy Olmstead.