Watch CBS News

Corbett Signs Law Mandating Breast Density Disclosure For Women

By Tony Romeo

HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) -- Pennsylvania governor Tom Corbett has signed a bill that advocates for breast cancer awareness believe will save lives.

The new law requires mammogram reports to include information about the density of breast tissue.  Dense tissue can make cancer harder to find on a mammogram.

Pat Halpin-Murphy of the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition (standing behind governor, in pink blouse, in photo) says she believes the new law will help make sure women won't have to endure the shock of being told they have a life-threatening condition despite having gotten mammograms.

"(They) never have to think they're okay because they've gotten the 'Everything's fine, everything's normal' –- and then find out that they're in a late-stage, less treatable stage of breast cancer," she said today.

The new law will require that women be notified of their breast tissue density and offered other screening options in addition to routine mammograms.

According to the National Cancer Institute, women with dense tissue are two to six times more likely to develop breast cancer.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.