3D mammography is an FDA-approved advanced technology that takes multiple images, or X-rays of breast tissue to recreate a 3-dimensional picture of the breast. You may also hear it called breast tomosynthesis. It is different from traditional mammography in the sense that a traditional mammography only obtains just a single image while a 3D mammography creates multiple clear images of breast tissue slices, giving doctors a much clearer image of breast masses. This makes it easier to detect breast cancer.

Any woman who needs breast screening should consider 3D mammography. Women with dense breast tissue in particular may benefit because it provides a clearer picture. 3D mammograms make it easier for doctors to catch breast cancer early, while also helping them detect more cancers. Furthermore, it helps doctors see the cancer size much better than they would be able to on a regular mammogram. It reduces the chances of doctors seeing a false positive.

You should talk to your healthcare provider about when you should begin having screening mammograms. Average risk women (including women with dense breasts) should consider starting yearly screening mammography beginning at age 40.

A 3D mammogram releases the same amount of radiation as a traditional mammogram. It is of no greater risk to the patient.

Following a screening mammogram, if the radiologist identifies an area that needs to be evaluated closer, you may be called back to the breast center to have more testing. Sometimes patients who have had a screening mammogram may need to have a diagnostic mammogram to get a better look.

Depending on what the radiologist finds, a breast biopsy may be needed to obtain a tissue sample to be sent to a pathologist for review.

• 3D mammography increases cancer detection and is beneficial to all women, regardless of breast density.
• Studies have shown a 43% increase in cancer detection when using 3D mammography compared to conventional 2D mammography.
• With 3D mammography, there are fewer recalls for further testing, which means less unnecessary worry.
• 3D mammography finds more benign lesions (like cysts), many of which get missed with a conventional mammogram. Benign lesions are important to know about and monitor.