Powerful imaging technology and routine screenings help save lives

Routine mammograms are the best defense—and the most important tool—women have to better protect themselves from breast cancer. With regular screenings, it’s easiest to detect cancer at its earliest stages when it’s easier to beat and treatments are less invasive. At Syracuse Area Health, we are proud to offer Genuis™ 3D mammography—superior imaging technology to help women improve the odds in the fight against breast cancer.

3D mammograms—more detailed images, more reliable results

3D mammography creates a three-dimensional image of the breast and shows the breast tissue in very thin, one-millimeter layers where there’s a better chance to detect cancer hiding behind overlapping tissue (overlapping tissue occurs in 2D mammogram imaging). More detailed, accurate images also lower the likelihood—by 40%—that providers will need to call patients back for a closer look—or another mammogram—like with 2D mammography where images aren’t as clear and it’s not as easy to discern what things are (or could be).

3D mammograms detect cancers up to 65% faster than 2D mammography alone. The imaging is fast—capturing many thin, detailed images in a matter of seconds—and the screening is more comfortable for patients. The higher quality, more detailed images mean more accurate, reliable results. And more reliable results mean dramatically increased survival rates. Advantages of 3D mammography (compared to 2D alone) include:

• Higher quality, more detailed images
• More comfortable
• 40% fewer callbacks (or false alarms)
• Improves detection of invasive cancers by up to 65%
• Easier to detect small cancer that may be hiding or unable to see in 2D images
• The only FDA recommended imaging for dense breast tissue
• Not subject to variables in breast density

Syracuse Area Health has advanced mammography technology to protect women with all breast types. Whether providing peace of mind during an annual screening—or, if there is cancer, knowing that you are catching it as early as possible so treatment may be less invasive, drastic and you have your best chance to beat breast cancer before it grows—our expert team is here to help.

When should women start mammogram screenings? 

The American Cancer Society recommends that women receive annual mammograms starting at age 40. Women with a family history of breast cancer should talk to their primary care provider; he or she may want to start the screening sooner.

Early detection and regular screenings are your best protection

Of course, it doesn’t matter how advanced the technology is if women don’t get the screenings they need. Routine mammograms could be the difference between life and death and the importance of regular screening cannot be overstated:

• 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime
• For women over 50, skipping their mammogram every other year would miss 30% of cancers
• Mammograms have reduced breast cancer mortality by over 30% since 1990
• 1 in 6 breast incidents of breast cancer occur in women in their 40s
• 75%—3 out of 4 women diagnosed—have no family history of breast cancer

Schedule your 3D mammogram at Syracuse Area Health

If you are due for a mammogram, ask your primary care provider for a referral to schedule this important screening. To learn more, call 402-269-7590 or visit our 3D mammography page.