InforMD are saddened to hear of the passing of Dr Nancy Cappello.
Nancy was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer in 2004, 6 weeks after a negative mammogram. The mammogram had missed her cancer due to her high breast density. She was very concerned that she had never been told that she had high breast density even though it was known to reduce the sensitivity of mammography in detecting breast cancers. Nancy became an advocate for breast density notification and was the inspiration behind the first breast density legislation in Connecticut in 2009. Since then many other U.S. states have followed suit, with 35 states now enacting laws that mandate breast density notification.
Nancy was diagnosed in September this year with Myelodysplastic Syndrome, a rare disease caused by the aggressive treatment for breast cancer she had received 14 years ago.
Nancy worked tirelessly as an advocate for open transparent communication between health professionals and the people they care for. Through her work in breast density notification she demonstrated the power of individuals to shape health policy and practice. She continues to inspire us to question the status quo and to work towards improving breast cancer screening and density communication.
Her memory lives on in the people's lives she touched.
Rest In Peace, Nancy
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