Each year, over 300,000 women receive the life-changing diagnosis of breast cancer. Last year, Rochelle Broder-Singer joined their ranks, becoming one of the many women confronted with this challenging reality.
“I got the call from my doctor who told me that I had breast cancer, and I actually had to ask her to repeat herself,” Broder-Singer said.
At the age of 49, Rochelle Broder-Singer was diagnosed with a prevalent type of breast cancer last year. She attributes her early detection to her commitment to regular screenings; however, as a woman with dense breast tissue, she realized that a standard mammogram alone was insufficient for her needs. This experience highlighted the importance of comprehensive screening methods beyond traditional imaging for women with similar conditions.
“I just had a mammogram, and the technician turned to me right then, and she said, ‘You have very dense breasts. You’re also going to need an ultrasound. You’re always going to need an ultrasound,'” she said.
“Now that women are being informed about their breast density and told that they have dense breasts, I hope it leads to them asking the question, what does this mean? What can I do about it?” Broder-Singer said.
Women are now being informed about their breast density due to a new regulation from the FDA. Dense breast tissue is recognized as a risk factor for breast cancer and can complicate the detection of tumors during mammograms.
Looking ahead to the FDA’s recent recommendation, we followed up on the issue. While some health insurance companies did not reply, Aetna, Florida Blue, and United Healthcare confirmed that ultrasounds may be covered if a doctor determines they are medically necessary. However, the criteria for what qualifies as medically necessary can vary and is subject to interpretation.
“I think with that recommendation now in writing, I think things from the insurance coverage will change,” said Dr. Carmen Calfa, a breast oncologist with the University of Miami Health System. “I’m confident that they will, because they see the reasons for why, and they will honor, and they will follow the science an ultrasound would double the detection rate of.”
She is hopeful about the FDA’s recommendation. Currently, however, women under 40 or those seeking additional imaging for precautionary reasons are required to cover the costs themselves.
“I will tell you that many years, I actually paid for the ultrasound out of pocket instead of putting it through my insurance because it was less expensive to pay cash as a cash-paying patient than the copay or deductible that I would have had to pay if it went through my insurance,” Broder-Singer said.
She stated that the ultrasound enabled early detection of her cancer and emphasized several important lessons she has learned throughout her journey. These include the value of seeking a second opinion, maintaining a list of questions for her doctors, and recognizing that knowledge is empowering.
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