Assembly passes breast density alert bill requiring mammogram providers notify women

MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Assembly has approved a bill that would require mammogram providers to notify women if they have dense breast tissue.

The bipartisan measure's supporters say that information will help them make better health choices since it's more difficult to detect cancerous tumors in women with dense breast tissue.

The bill requires providers to give women a notice explaining that they have what is known as "dark tissue" and they can talk with their doctor about whether they need additional cancer screening.

The measure is co-sponsored by Sen. Alberta Darling, a breast cancer survivor. She says the notice will ensure that women in Wisconsin can begin detecting breast cancer as early as possible.

The Assembly approved the bill on a voice vote Tuesday. It goes next to the state Senate.