WHY 3D?
DEMAND IT...
A 3D mammogram is used as a breast cancer screening test to look for breast cancer in people with no signs or symptoms of the disease. It can also be used to investigate breast problems, such as a suspicious lump or thickening.
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When used for breast cancer screening, the 3D mammogram machine creates 3D images and standard 2D mammogram images because both types of images have some advantages in seeing certain breast abnormalities.
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Combining a 3D mammogram with a standard mammogram can:​
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DO IT...
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3D Mammography (tomosynthesis) – Incorporates digital X-ray in an arcing pattern to
capture images at multiple angles, minimizing tissue overlap and image distortion to generate
thinly sliced images that provide a 3D picture. This imaging can effectively detect breast
tumors and masses with higher accuracy and less radiation exposure than other means. -
The Journal of the American Medical Association (2014) stated that with the use of 3D
mammography, up to 41% increase in detection of invasive cancer and up to 37% drop in
patient recalls for additional testing. -
It is estimated that breast cancer deaths could be decreased by one-third through early diagnosis and treatment.
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Use of this technology is growing, yet there are still 52% of U.S. mammography facilities
without this lifesaving technology.
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DISCUSS IT...
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WeDemand3D looks to:
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Educate the general population of this lifesaving technology.
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Encourage insurance companies to cover this examination.
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Push for all mammography facilities to offer this technology.
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Reduce the need for follow-up imaging. When doctors detect abnormalities on standard mammogram images, they may recommend additional imaging. Being called back for additional imaging can be stressful. It may take extra time and lead to additional costs. Combining a 3D mammogram with a standard mammogram reduces the need for follow-up imaging.
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Detect slightly more cancers than a standard mammogram alone. Studies indicate that combining a 3D mammogram with a standard mammogram can result in about one more breast cancer for every 1,000 women screened when compared with standard mammogram alone.
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Improve breast cancer detection in dense breast tissue. A 3D mammogram offers advantages in detecting breast cancer in people with dense breast tissue because the 3D image allows doctors to see beyond areas of density.
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Breast tissue is composed of milk glands, milk ducts and supportive tissue (dense breast tissue) and fatty tissue. Dense breasts have greater amounts of dense breast tissue than fatty tissue. Both dense breast tissue and cancers appear white on a standard mammogram, which may make breast cancer more difficult to detect in dense breasts.
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Breast cancers are the most common cancers diagnosed in women globally
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United States has one of the highest incidence rates of breast cancers – more than 3.1 million women had a history of breast cancer in 2018
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85% percentage of women with no previous family history
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Early detection and effective treatment options are critical for improving quality of life
and reduction of mortality.
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