3D mammograms allow us to detect breast cancer earlier and more effectively than traditional 2D mammograms, and significantly earlier than relying on the sense of touch. A 3D mammogram can detect tiny, early-stage cancers, and early detection means earlier, more effective treatment. In addition, the higher accuracy of 3D mammograms – especially important for patients with dense breast tissue or at high risk of breast cancer – results in more accurate detection and fewer false positives (the latter means fewer return visits to your doctor). Every mammogram image at Andalusia Health is analyzed by a radiologist with advanced training in breast imaging.
It's common to feel a bit anxious about getting a mammogram, particularly if it's your first. The professional and compassionate technicians at Andalusia Health will patiently guide you through the process, step by step, gladly answering all your questions along the way.
Aside from getting a mammogram at the frequency recommended below, there are other steps you can take that may help lower your risk for breast cancer. These steps include:
Andalusia Health OB-GYNs encourage self-breast exams as a second line of defense against breast cancer. A mammogram is the first line of defense because by the time we can feel a lump in our breasts, a cancerous tumor could have grown larger and even spread beyond the breast into other areas of the body. Regular mammograms help detect small tumors at a much earlier stage – sometimes years before we can feel them – which significantly increases the opportunity for successful treatment.
Historically, as the number of women who have regular mammograms has increased, the prevalence of breast cancer has decreased. And we’ve got a way to go. Breast cancer is still one of the top killers of women in the United States. It is the most common cancer among women, behind skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer.
