STATEHOUSE — Gov. Eric Holcomb recently signed State Rep. Sharon Negele’s (R-Attica) legislation increasing awareness of the cancer risks associated with dense breast tissue into law.
According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that over 300,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer and more than 42,000 breast cancer deaths will occur in women in the U.S. this year. Negele said dense breast tissue can present a higher risk because the fatty tissue makes it more difficult to identify and diagnose cancer.
“Many women have no clue what their breast tissue type is or whether or not they’re at risk,” Negele said. “I hope this new law encourages Hoosier women to be more aware and find out their breast density, because it might just save their lives.”
Negele said this new law will ensure dense breast tissue patients are informed of their increased risk during a mammogram examination and receive documentation. It will also add aesthetic flat closer and chest wall reconstruction to the insurance coverage of breast cancer rehabilitative services and reconstruction surgery.
To learn more about House Enrolled Act 1058 and other legislation considered for new laws by the governor, visit in.gov/gov/newsroom/2024-bill-watch.
