3D Mammography
Providing high quality, cost effective healthcare is our mission at Syracuse Area Health, which is why we recently invested in the installation of a new Genius™ 3D Mammography™ machine. 3D mammography exams are clinically proven to significantly increase the detection of breast cancers while decreasing the number of women asked to return for additional testing.
We’re excited to be able to offer this state-of-the-art breast screening technology. Call 402.269.7590 to schedule your mammogram.
Why Routine Mammograms Are Important
Why are routine mammograms so important? It’s because it could save your life. As reported by the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is caught early, and is in its localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. One of the most effective ways to detect breast cancer is through regular clinical breast exams and mammograms along with doing monthly breast self-exams.
It’s recommended that women ages 40-years-old and up have a mammogram screening every one to two years. However, women under the age of 40 who have risk factors for breast cancer, such as a family member who has been diagnosed in the past, should talk with their primary care physician if a screening is necessary and/or how often they should have one.
Mammograms are a low-dose X-ray of the breasts. It is the best way to detect breast cancer early. The Syracuse Area Health Mammography program is accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR) and certified by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Screening mammograms allow radiologists to find breast abnormalities even before they can be felt during a physical exam. The successful treatment of breast cancer is often linked to early detection and diagnosis. SAH uses 3D mammography (also known as Digital Breast Tomosynthesis or DBT), the new standard for annual screening, that is covered by all major insurance companies.
Diagnostic mammograms are used to evaluate a patient with abnormal symptoms such as a breast lump, nipple discharge, or “cystic” breasts that may have been noticed during an exam or screening mammogram.
Most patients without insurance can also receive access to a free 3D screening mammogram at SAH through our partners at Every Woman Matters (EWM). To enroll in this program, women can visit the EWM website or call (800) 532-2227.
Things to Know Before Your Exam
The biggest difference between 3D and 2D types of mammograms is how they capture images and what results are shown:
- It is best to schedule your mammogram about a week after your menstrual period. Your breasts won’t be as tender or sensitive.
- You may consider taking Tylenol or Ibuprofen 1 hour prior to help with discomfort.
- Do not apply deodorant, powder, or lotion on or around your chest on the day of your mammogram. These products can appear as white spots on the X-ray. Cleansing and deodorant wipes are provided, if needed.
Before Your Exam
Patients will check in at the front desk of the hospital. They will then go to the Radiology waiting room here a technologist will come and get them.
A mammogram usually takes 15-30 minutes. After your