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Date: Wednesday, April 9, 1997
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Food and Drug Administration, Sharon Snider: (301) 443-3285,
Broadcast Media: (301) 827-3434, Consumer Hotline: (800) 532-4440

The Clinton Administration announced its support of legislation introduced today by Sen. Mikulski, D-Md., to reauthorize the Mammography Quality Standards Act (MQSA). The law, which requires all mammography facilities nationwide to be certified as meeting quality standards, and to be inspected annually, will expire this year unless it is reauthorized.

"As a result of this law, the quality of mammography has improved at practically all facilities that perform mammography in this country -- whether in a hospital, a doctor's office, a mobile van, or on a military base," said Health and Human Services Secretary Donna E. Shalala at a press conference today. "This program has been very good news for women, and we want to assure that its success continues."

Currently, mammography (x-rays of the breast) is the most effective technique for early detection of breast cancer. Mammographies, when performed correctly, can often locate small tumors earlier than they can be detected by touch. Studies of screening mammography show that regular mammography can decrease the chance of dying from breast cancer. Furthermore, the earlier breast cancer is detected the less likely it is to have spread, giving a woman the option of choosing treatments that preserve her breasts.

Congress passed the MQSA in 1992 in response to concerns that mammography practice did not meet quality standards at all facilities. The law established a number of requirements aimed at strengthening the quality of mammography services nationwide. Today, facilities must meet quality standards set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for personnel, equipment and image quality in order to be certified to perform mammography. In addition, they must be inspected annually by an FDA-trained inspector to assure continuing compliance with standards.

There are currently 10,025 certified facilities in the United States.

A recent General Accounting Office study confirmed that this law is having a positive effect in the fight against breast cancer. The study, released Jan. 25, 1997, shows an even greater level of compliance with the national standards set by the MQSA than an earlier study and demonstrates that these standards make a difference.

The names and locations of FDA certified mammography facilities are available through the National Cancer Institute's toll-free Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER.