Knowledge of Density and Screening Ultrasound

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Public Health
• Women's Health

Background:

• Connecticut implemented the first breast density notification law.
• Understanding patient awareness and attitudes towards supplemental screening is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• Assess breast density awareness and attitudes toward supplemental breast ultrasound screening.
• Evaluate the impact of Connecticut's breast density notification law.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to 950 women at a Connecticut academic breast imaging center.
• Data collected included breast density awareness, prior ultrasounds, attitudes toward screening, and demographics.
• Participants were women with dense or extremely dense breast tissue on mammography.

Main Results:

• 92% of women were aware of their breast density; 77% had prior screening ultrasounds.
• 43% of women aware of dense breasts reported increased cancer anxiety.
• Awareness and prior ultrasound use were higher in Caucasian and college-educated women.
• Less educated women relied more on provider recommendations for screening ultrasound.

Conclusions:

• Breast density awareness is linked to higher education, income, and Caucasian race.
• Non-Caucasian women and those with less education depend more on physician advice for screening.
• Nearly half of women aware of dense breasts experience heightened cancer anxiety.