A new bill authored by Senate Health and Human Services Chair Michelle Benson (R-Ham Lake) would help at-risk women get health insurance coverage for a type of cutting edge mammogram technology as a preventative service.

Sen. Benson’s bill would require insurance providers cover a mammogram procedure called “digital breast tomosynthesis” for at-risk patients. The procedure, also called DBT, is a radiologic procedure that uses a low-dose x-ray system and computer reconstructions to create three-dimensional images of the breasts. This 3D technology offers better, more accurate breast cancer detection at virtually no additional risk to patients.

“Preventative screenings can often mean the difference between life and death,” said Sen. Benson. “The earlier that doctors can detect cancer, the better a woman’s chances for survival. Mammograms are already routine preventative care. As new technology becomes proven and reliable it should be a preventive screening option for at-risk patients. If it were your daughter, mother, or wife, wouldn’t you want them to have the technology that provides the best, most accurate results?”

Breast cancer is the 2nd highest diagnosed type of cancer. In 2019, it is estimated that there will be nearly 270,000 new cases diagnosed and more than 41,000 deaths.

To be considered at-risk, a patient must meet one of the following qualifications:

• A family history with one or more first- or second-degree relatives with breast cancer
• A positive test for BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations that are commonly linked to an increased risk of breast cancer
• Have heterogeneously dense breasts or extremely dense breasts based on the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System established by the American College of Radiology
• A previous diagnosis of breast cancer