FDA introduces changes for mammograms

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - Organizations and groups continue to raise awareness regarding breast cancer. However, an important update from a federal agency could impact the health of millions of women.

The new Food and Drug Administration [FDA] regulations now require all mammogram reports to include a breast density assessment. This means that women will be informed if they have dense breast tissue.

This information is crucial because dense tissue can mask tumors on mammograms, making cancer harder to detect.

The FDA hopes that this transparency will lead to more informed discussions between patients and their healthcare providers about additional screening options.

In addition to these updates, there's growing evidence that breastfeeding can play a significant role in reducing the risk of breast cancer.

According to the National Library of Medicine, a report stated that women who breastfeed have a lower risk of developing breast cancer compared to those who don't.

In Laredo, the WIC clinic knows of the importance of this, so, their clinic counts on breast-feeding rooms where moms can breastfeed their babies, much like the Baby Café in the Santo Nino clinic .

Work Program Supervisor for the Cedar WIC Clinic Register Lactation Consultant, Maritza Benavides, says the Baby Café has been a great help for all moms.

"Any pregnant or breastfeeding mother or anyone interested in learning more about breastfeeding can come into a session. These are in a group setting. so if another client is sharing their experience or stories they can just meet one another and talk about their breastfeeding journeys," said Benavides.

New mother, Lizette Limon, that although breastfeeding is a great way to prevent the disease, early detection is key.

Limon mentioned, "Annual checkups are 100% important for everybody. Go to the doctors to check for anything both male and female that's here. I know the health department promotes a lot of healthy ways and offers preventative measures."

Providers had until this month to implement any necessary changes to abide by the guidelines.

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