LANSING, MI (AP)-- A Michigan law effective Monday says women with dense breast tissue must be notified in writing and encouraged to consider additional tests, requirements supporters say could help detect cancer earlier.
Advocates say such breast density can obscure early detection of breast cancer in mammograms. Additional tests could include ultrasounds or an MRI.
The Detroit Free Press reports some Michigan lawmakers and health providers raised concerns about the extra time demands on doctors, about insurance coverage and about causing unnecessary worry among patients.
The Legislature approved the bill in December and it was signed in January by Gov. Rick Snyder.
More than 20 states have laws that address raising awareness among women about the limits of mammograms in dense breast tissue.