Nancy M. Cappello, Ph.D., was diagnosed with advanced stage breast cancer in February 2004 after
receiving "normal" mammography reports for a decade. Through her tragedy, Dr. Cappello learned the
limitations of mammograms for women like her who have dense breast tissue. Through her advocacy, she
spearheaded two bills through the Connecticut legislature: In 2005, a bill to ensure that insurance
companies cover whole breast ultrasound screening as a supplement to the mammogram for women with
dense breast tissue and, during the 2009 legislative session, a bill to standardize the communication of
breast density to the patient through her mammography report. These landmark bills were the first in the
nation to raise awareness of the fatal flaw in the Early Detection of Breast Cancer for women with dense
breast tissue. She continues to work with the CT legislature on expanded insurance coverage for women
with dense breast tissue.
Nancy is the founder of Are You Dense, Inc. a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to raising awareness of
dense breast tissue for the early detection of breast cancer. Dr. Cappello's story and advocacy have been
featured in both print and media and her story of determination and perseverance has been presented at
numerous venues throughout the country. She is also a founding member of D.E.N.S.E. ™(Density
Education National Survivors' Effort) - an organization founded by 7 'surviving' women with dense breast
tissue who have united to bring the issue of dense breast tissue to the national stage.
Dr. Cappello has been the recipient of several awards honoring her advocacy including citations from the
CT General Assembly, The CT Cancer Society's “Angel Award”, the SWIM award from ST. Vincent's Hospital
of Bridgeport, CT, Health Care Council Leadership Award, The Ruby Award - Women Helping Women
Award from the Soroptimist and the Get in Touch Foundation’s Woman of Strength Award. She was
honored as Parade Magazine’s Health Hero in October, 2011.
Dr. Cappello started Are You Dense Advocacy, Inc., an affiliate to Are You Dense, Inc, which focuses on
government relations and legislative actions. The state of Texas recently passed a breast density inform
bill and a New York State passed its Senate. A federal breast density inform bill was introduced in
October, 2011 and a half-dozen states are introducing bills in 2012.
Dr Cappello was awarded a Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of CT in 1995. She can
be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Title: Breast Cancer Survivor
Show Date: 10/24/200910/24/11
Website: http://www.areyoudense.org
