SB 173: Comprehensive Breast Tissue Screening (2011)
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Under Federal law, a radiologist performing a mammogram must send a report to the referring physician that includes what a woman’s breast density is. In addition Federal law requires the radiologist write the patient to inform her of the results of her mammogram. Senate Bill 173 is modeled off of legislation that passed into law in Connecticut in 2009 which requires that language regarding a woman’s breast density be included in the letter from the radiologist to the patient.
Women with dense breast tissue are four to six times at greater risk of developing breast cancer when compared to women of the same age and health.
Note: The substance of SB 173 was incorporated into SB 791.
For more information, you can read the SB 173 "Fact Sheet" prepared by a member of Senator Simitian's staff.
Final Status and Text
SB 173 is no longer active. Its final status was:Did not pass the Legislature
You can read its final text on the Legislature's Bill Information site.
Background Information
Helpful Background information on Dense Breast Tissue:
-What others are saying about Dense Breast Tissue
-National Harris Survey indicating that 95% of women do not know their breast density
-Breast density breakdown used by Radiologists, also known as BI-RADS
-Radiological Society of Connecticut’s support letter for Connecticut’s breast density notification legislation
-Form filled out by radiologists during a patient’s mammogram
How Can I Help?
If your organization supports SB 173, please send Senator Simitian a letter of support. You can use this sample letter as the basis for your own.
News & Press Releases about SB 173
10/14/2011 - Editorial: Brown's Veto of Mammogram Disclosure is Outrageous10/11/2011 - Breast Cancer Detection Bill Vetoed
09/20/2011 - Simitian Opts for Patience Over Force on Mammogram Bill
09/12/2011 - Breast Cancer Detection Bill Passes Legislature
09/12/2011 - SB 791: Comprehensive Breast Tissue Screening
09/07/2011 - Is it a woman's right to know she has a condition that could mask breast cancer?
07/05/2011 - Women should know their breast density, study says; how many do?
06/28/2011 - Mercury News Editorial: Simple rule on mammogram reports can save lives
06/21/2011 - Press Conference on SB 173
06/16/2011 - Simitian Sets Press Conference To Stress Importance of Breast Cancer Detection Bill
06/05/2011 - Proposed mammogram law could save your life
06/02/2011 - Breast Cancer Detection Bill Passes Senate
03/10/2011 - Cancer survivor’s experience inspires law
03/03/2011 - Simitian Announces 'Oughta Be a Law' Winners