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New 3D technology improves ability to detect breast cancer

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Dr. Alisa Johnson, a radiologist at Crossing Rivers Health medical center, examines a patient’s three-dimensional mammogram, a revolutionary technology that has an improved ability to detect breast cancer, and at lower radiation levels, than the standard two-dimensional mammogram. (Photo by Correne Martin)

By Correne Martin

Three-dimensional mammography is a revolutionary, FDA-approved, imaging technology designed for early breast cancer detection. It is performed at the same time and with the same system as the standard 2D exam. The advantage of the new method is that a computerized 3D image of breast tissue presents one-millimeter slices, allowing the radiologist greater visibility of detail, as opposed to a 2D mammogram.

“Basically, it gives us 120 pictures of each breast, rather than just two pictures of each breast, which means an improved ability to see cancer,” said Dr. Alisa Johnson, a radiologist at Crossing Rivers Health medical center in Prairie du Chien. “It’s also performed with slightly less compression.”

Since the 3D exam is complementary to the 2D imaging, the patient’s experience will remain similar. The most extraordinary benefit of the new technology is that, by looking at one-millimeter slices of the breast, breast tissue doesn’t cover up any indicators of cancer.

The 3D mammogram boasts “a 41-percent increase in detecting cancer, and at lower radiation, than the average mammogram,” according to Tim Clark, medical imaging director at Crossing Rivers.
“Fear has always been a major factor for those getting breast exams, but when you can detect breast cancer early, it can be treated minimally,” Johnson added.

The guidelines vary significantly regarding when women should schedule their mammograms. Johnson described the difference, saying those who believe screening can wait until age 50 are also those whose philosophy is to catch the most breast cancer while saving the most money. “They say, start at 50 and do it every other year,” she noted. However, the American College of Radiology recommends screenings should start at age 40, or 25 to 30 for those at risk, and be done every year for the most benefit to individual women.

“We know younger women get more aggressive cancer, more advanced cancer and have a higher risk of mortality,” Johnson remarked. “If we can detect stage 1 cancer in patients, they have a 100 percent survival rate.”

According to Clark, the hospital’s 3D mammogram unit is coming in April. “It is more expensive,” he said, “but we feel our patients deserve the best care in the area.”

Johnson added that Crossing Rivers is able to work with all providers in Prairie du Chien, including the Crossing Rivers Health Clinic, Gundersen Health System, and Mayo Clinic Health System.

“We want to make sure everyone has this opportunity,” she commented. “I’m really excited to be a part of this. Crossing Rivers Health has made a very big commitment to women’s care with its complete women’s health imaging program.”

Of course, the biggest question about innovative technology is always insurance.

“Medicare is saying, yes, we recognize the benefit of 3D mammography, but insurances still haven’t recognized it yet,” Johnson stated.

Until then, Crossing Rivers is offering 3D mammograms at a reduced rate. Clark explained: the person’s insurance picks up the 2D cost and we charge $30 to $60 more.

It’s important to note, though, that the 3D technology is believed to reduce the potential of patients being called back for a second look—which insurance companies consider diagnostic mammograms, not screening mammograms—possibly eliminating that extra expense.

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