The “Show-Me” state recently became the 19th in the nation to enact mandatory breast density notification. Earlier this week, Governor Jay Nixon signed Missouri’s breast density inform bill into law (SB 639) in Joplin, MO. Commencing January 1, 2015, breast density information must be included in a patient’s mammography reporting results.
Representative Sue Allen first introduced a density reporting bill in 2010, after Missouri resident Lori Jackson shared her story of missed and delayed breast cancer. According to Jackson, her cancer went from stage 0 to 4 within one month due to dense breast tissue. Though Jackson testified at a Public Hearing, the bill never proceeded to a chamber vote, and Jackson passed away in October, 2012.
Representative Sue Allen reintroduced the bill this session. Missouri is the most recent state to enact legislation and raises to 58% the number of American women living in states with mandatory breast density notification.
