Regardless of race, religion, occupation, or marital status, all women share one unifying thing—a risk of breast cancer. This year, more than 250,000 women will discover they have breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Thankfully, 84 percent of those women will survive five years or more largely because of early detection from a mammogram.
Nazareth Hospital’s specialists constantly seek better, more effective ways to detect the signs of cancer earlier, when treatment is most successful. The goal of screening exams, starting at age 40, is to identify breast abnormalities as early as possible. Now that digital breast tomosynthesis, or 3-D mammography, is available, you may wonder which mammogram you should get: 2-D or 3-D?
It is important to first know the difference. A two-dimensional, or 2-D, mammogram takes images with two views during the breast compressions, while a 3-D mammogram takes images with multiple views to see the many layers of the breast. As such, 3-D mammography has higher cancer detection rates than 2-D. Three-dimensional mammography also has a lower recall rate, meaning fewer women need to return for additional images, which can create unnecessary anxiety.
The new 3-D mammograms offer a better way to spot and define microcalcifications. A stationary X-ray tube looks at multiple layers of the breast and can see through dense breast tissue. Women with dense breast tissue may find 2-D mammography insufficient. Dense tissue can overlap on the image and cause shadows, potentially hiding cancerous tumors from traditional mammography. Because 3-D mammography allows physicians to see the breast in “slices,” it offers a more comprehensive view.
Three-dimensional mammography takes a few seconds longer than a traditional 2-D mammogram. Radiation exposure for patients does not increase when they go from a 2-D standard mammogram to a 3-D mammogram.
If cost is a determining factor for you, speak with your insurer about coverage qualifications as some insurers may not cover 3-D mammograms.
Before you get a mammogram, speak with your doctor about which method is best for you. To schedule a mammogram, call 215.335.6400
Tips for a Better Mammogram
Nazareth Hospital experts offer these tips to keep your mammograms quick and easy.
● Schedule smart. Avoid scheduling your mammogram when your breasts may be tender or swollen—typically the week after your period.
● Deodorant free for a day. The substances in most deodorants and antiperspirants can show up on mammograms as white spots. Avoid deodorant for a day to get a clear image.
● Knowledge is power. If you’ve had mammograms elsewhere, bring information on dates, locations and previous images to compare to new ones. Additionally, tell your doctor about family history of breast cancer and any changes to your breasts.
● RELAX. Early detection of breast cancer leads to successful treatment in over 90 percent of diagnoses. Physicians know this, so they want to keep your mammogram as stress-free as possible for you. By getting a mammogram, you are already well on your way to better health.
For more information contact Nazareth Hospital.