From law to reality: Factors influencing the pattern of additional screening examinations for women with dense breasts after implementation of a breast density notification law in Texas.

e17507 Background: Given the increased risk of breast cancer associated with dense breasts and the limitations of screening mammography, 19 states including Texas, have passed laws requiring notification of women of their breast density. This study evaluates patient and physician factors which influence women having additional imaging and the breast cancer detection rate. Methods: A retrospective study was done at a University Hospital in Texas. Chart review was done to identify women with normal mammogram but dense breasts one year before and after implementation of breast density law. Results: In the pre-law group, 37 % had dense breasts among 12,099 women with normal mammograms. Additional imaging was done in 6.6%. High risk women were more likely to get additional imaging, 21% vs. 6% in low risk women (p = 0.0001).The biopsy rate following additional imaging was 1% with no breast cancers detected. Within the post-law group, 33% had dense breasts among 17,272 women with normal mammograms. Additional im...