A new rule from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is highlighting an important message regarding breast cancer screenings and reinforcing an established law in the tri-state area.

Although many women are aware they need to get a mammograms starting at 40, what is not as well-known is that for women who have dense breast tissue, just getting a mammogram alone is not enough.

Women with dense breast tissue are at a higher risk for developing breast cancer, doctors say.

The new FDA rule requires mammography facilities across the country to notify patients with a letter about the density of their breast.

Doctors say by providing women details on their health in writing, it will better help them understand their risk for cancer and work with their doctor to make informed decisions.

They say notifying women about their breast density has been a law in the Tri-state over a decade and the new rule can only add to awareness.

The Mayo Clinic's Dr. Bhavika Patel tells News 12 dense breast tissue shows up as white on a mammogram and a potentially cancerous lump or lesion also shows up as white, so it's difficult to find.

"It's pretty much a double whammy in terms of developing or missing a breast cancer, which is why we think it's very important to educate women about the fact that they have dense breast tissue," says. Patel

Patel says 50% of women will be informed they have dense breast tissue.

"it's very common. If you get that report, then there will be additional discussions with your provider in regard to potentially getting what we call supplemental imaging," says Patel.

Options to further aid in breast cancer detection include ultrasounds or MRI's.

Insurance is required to cover the supplemental screening.