The risk of breast cancer is real — 1 in 8 women will develop it — but with early detection, the disease is treatable and survivable. And 3D mammograms, the latest technology in breast cancer screening, are changing the game when it comes to early detection. Here’s what to know:
Frequent screening
Adventist Health’s cancer experts recommend that women age 40 and older get a mammogram every year. Depending on risk factors, including dense breasts and a family history of breast cancer, some women should start getting mammograms sooner or pair them with an MRI. Talk to your provider about the best plan for your needs.
Higher-quality imaging
While traditional mammograms create a two-dimensional picture of the breast, a 3D mammogram or tomosynthesis combines multiple X-rays from different angles to provide a clearer, more detailed image. This means experts can often see smaller tumors or other abnormalities that might not show up in a traditional mammogram until they are larger and more advanced.
Clear answers
After a 2D mammogram, your provider may recommend additional imaging, often because the image shows an abnormality that isn’t clear enough for diagnosis. Women with dense breast tissue also may require follow-up imaging after a traditional mammogram. But 3D mammograms reduce the need for further imaging by providing clear images, which can differentiate between dense tissue and tumors the first time.
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