First time in 20 years FDA proposing new mammogram guidelines

(FOX 11) - For the first time in 20 years, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is proposing changes to mammography standards. The proposal would require all mammogram providers give women information about their individual breast density.

More than half of women over 40 have dense breast tissue which makes it harder to detect breast cancer.

'Breast cancer is one of the most worrisome health concerns facing women. The FDA plays a unique and meaningful role in the delivery of quality mammography to help patients get accurate screening to identify breast health problems early, when they can be effectively addressed,' FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, M.D., said in a statement released on Wednesday.

Under the FDA's proposal all women would receive a short summary about their breast density including advice that they should speak to their doctor about additional testing.

Currently, more than 35 states including California already require some kind of notification for patients with dense breast tissue.