Scotland County Hospital is now offering 3D mammography exams. The new machine can increase the detection of breast cancers, while simultaneously decreasing the likelihood that a woman will be asked to return for additional testing.

In conventional 2D Mammography, overlapping tissue is a leading reason why small breast cancers may be missed, and normal tissue may appear abnormal, leading to unnecessary callbacks. Scotland County Hospital’s new equipment provides an exam that includes a three-dimensional method of imaging that can greatly reduce the tissue overlap effect.

Early detection is key in fighting breast cancer.  The Food and Drug Administration cites a number of studies which have found that 3D mammograms find more cancers than traditional 2D mammograms.  They also reduce the number of false positives.

This technology is considered superior to conventional digital mammography and is approved by the FDA. The new system is recommended for women of all ages and breast densities.

All women should begin yearly mammogram screenings at age 40 and continue for as long as they are in good health. For some women, certain factors increase the risk for developing breast cancer and additional screening measures may be necessary.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in eight women will get breast cancer in her life, impacting hundreds of thousands of Americans each year. A screening mammogram continues to be the best tool for breast cancer screening and detection.