Columbia University School of Nursing dean says breast density camouflaged her cancer

Under new FDA regulations, all mammography facilities have to notify women of their level of breast density. Until now, this critical piece of information wasn't required to be shared with women, and it can potentially be a lifesaver. CBS News New York's Kristine Johnson spoke to a breast cancer survivor who says she thought she was cancer-free for years, but that wasn't always the case.

[believensee]

Unless inusance companies approve MRIs for women with dense breast as part of breast cancer screeing, what can the average woman do with this information?

[bilqis]

This report is incomplete. What’s missing from this report is that while a medical facility informs you of your breast density, and recommends further testing, MRIs are more expensive than a regular mammogram and your health insurance is not required to cover the MRI. So this policy is pointless if follow up examinations via an MRI are not covered by insurance companies (like mammograms).

[Elizabeth]

Med insurance should be made, by law, to pay for MRIs for women with dense breast tissue.

[Boutys_mom]

I've been told I have dense breast tissue since my 30's (I'm 51). My mom and maternal aunt both had breast cancer and issues with thyroid. I am always told to not worry and never given any other option! I will speak up next appointment-- now that I know WHAT to ask for. Thank you & sorry to hear this woman went through more struggles that ever needed.

[jackiegonzales]

This is so important after many years of going to get mammograms. This was the first year that my insurance paid for me to get a breast density test and it saved my life.

[celieboo]

At this point, we should be doing annual MRI's for breast cancer screening. They are less painful and more thorough. But we're only women, so who cares right? 😡

[scorpiana]

This is so scary. I was called back once about my density, but everything was fine…I think…I hope so.🫤 I will be making an appointment soon. Prayers for anyone who’s battling right now.

[Dohair]

I always wondered why they never take these things seriously. I also believe that screening should be for all women 18 and up not just over a certain age.

[jazzyj]

Oh no, that goes against the “healthcare” system in the United States. How will they ever make money?!

[shamelessvanity]

At what point do we start having serious conversations about universal healthcare. MRIs, to screen for cancer, dental cleanings, and heart disease screenings should be a right for all citizens of the so-called wealthiest country in the world.

[RosyJacobin-xtjd]

I knew a lady in her early fifties that all of sudden, she started feeling nauseous. Went to emergency. After few tests, she was diagnosed with advanced cancer breast. Unfortunately was too late for her to receive treatment. The cancer had spread all over her body.
She was advised Hospice care at home. She was given Morphine. After only four days of the diagnosis, she went blind . Lived only few weeks. It happened fast. I believe she had a breast exam very rarely. She was busy with work and family that she neglected herself. The signs were there. Weight loss was number one.

[cavgrey]

Mine misread a 4” x 2” mass as fibrocystic tissue. I had to demand further testing. Stage 3 triple positive Adenocarcinoma

[lifebeyondthering]

Sounds like you need a MRI! It was the MRI that located her cancer…No one has mentioned that using it as a precautionary measure in addition to the other tests…

[staceywilliams]

This pisses me off so bad! Wtf are we supposed to do?!!

[ISBSb-ortt]

I accidentally came upon this video, I dealt with melanoma a few years back, still on remission and started getting mammograms and an ultrasound for what could be a cyst on one side, having dense tissue didn’t help much. Thank you for this segment of educating us on what should we be informed from now on. I will make sure I ask the right questions in my upcoming mammogram. ❤️🙏🏻

[BBB-tocc]

My friend is 26 and terminal with breast cancer. It’s heartbreaking. Mammograms didn’t catch it in time, but ultrasound did.

[skeinandspool]

Mammograms are used to check subtle changes in the tissue patterns and calcifications. ultrasounds are used to check cysts and solids. MRI checked findings that have a blood flow.

[sct]

Yet, Medicare stop paying for an ultrasound last year. Only a mammogram.

[foxylovelace]

Ive heard about how painful mammograms can be. Why dont we just rely on ultrasounds. Womens healthcare allows an unacceptable amount of pain.

[TikiHi]

This year, late summer, I got my number and was called in to Women's Health Clinc. I knew I had dense breats, had them mapped years ago via ultrasound. Now I will get the MRI starting next year, then the mammogram the year after creating an alternate year exam schedule.