New Technology: 3-D Mammography Helping to Detect Breast Cancer

breast-cancer-ribbonIt seems like every day there is a new 3-D product out and it doesn’t stop at just consumer products but also in the medical field. Recently I learned about the 3-D mammography and how it’s the newest technology to help detect breast cancer faster than the 2-D mammograms plus reduces the number of false positives.

The 3-D mammography recently came to market and not all OBGYN’s have this capability in fact only 50% of the facilities in the Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium within the United States offer it. Currently many patients are not aware of this new technology. For those who have not been informed or not aware the 3-D mammography is an FDA-approved advanced technology that takes multiple images, or X-rays, of breast tissue to recreate a 3-D picture of the breast. You may also hear it called breast tomosynthesis.*

mammo3d

It’s different from traditional mammography in that traditional mammography obtains just a single image. The breast is positioned the same way it is in a conventional mammogram, but only a little pressure is applied — just enough to keep the breast in a stable position during the procedure. The X-ray tube moves in an arc around the breast while 11 images are taken during a 7-second examination. Then the information is sent to a computer, where it is assembled to produce clear, highly focused 3-dimensional images throughout the breast.**

There are still many studies out to prove this will be the new way everyone within the United States will be screened using 3-D mammography but it seems very promising. For more information on 3-D mammography click here.

Don’t forget to do a breast check monthly and contact your doctor immediately if there is something abnormal. Remember though October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month that your contributions are needed throughout the year so they can find a cure.

Below are a few great sites where you can donate to help end Breast Cancer:

  • Breastcancer.org– “Every $1 we raise helps 3 women get the care they need now to make the best decisions to protect their precious lives.”
  • Susan G. Koman– “80 cents of every dollar spent by Susan G. Komen supports mission programs and services.”
  • NationalBreastCancer.Org– “Your donation will make sure that every woman who needs a mammogram receives one through our National Mammography Program.”

Thank you to all who have contributed during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and throughout the year! Let’s be the generation that ends Breast Cancer!

*Per MDAnderson.org

**Per Breastcancer.org