New 3D Mammography Screenings Offer Franciscan St. Anthony Health Patients Faster, More Thorough Results than Conventional Exams

Jen-Biancardi-MammographyThe Burrell Cancer Center at Franciscan St. Anthony Health-Crown Point now offers 3D mammography for breast cancer screenings that provides patients quicker, more thorough and accurate results, using lower radiation doses than conventional mammograms.

The breast tomosynthesis process provides the three-dimensional view of breast tissue that assists radiologists in identifying and characterizing breast structures without the confusion of overlapping tissue.

Three devices have been installed to replace existing equipment, said Miki McClain, the center’s director of oncology services.

This state-of-the-art equipment is as good as it gets and is yet another reason patients don’t have to travel elsewhere for the best treatment,” Miki McClain, Breast Center director of oncology services said, adding, “Tomosynthesis reduces the number of false-positives, uses less radiation, reduces the amount of compression needed and allows us to diagnose more cancers earlier,” which can result in faster and more effective treatment.

Screenings using tomosynthesis, combined with conventional 2D mammography, are reported to have a 40 percent higher cancer detection rate. During the exam, multiple, low-dose images are acquired at different angles and used to produce a series of one-millimeter-thick slices that can be viewed as a 3D reconstruction of the breast.

The C-view upgrade eliminates the need for a second 2D scan, reducing total breast compression time and increasing patient comfort. The software creates a 2D image from the 3D acquisition, required as part of Hologic's FDA-approved 3D mammography screening exam.

Ultimately, this reduces radiation exposure to the patient. Clinical studies have shown that screening with Hologic's 3D mammo technology using C-View results in clinical performance superior to that of a conventional 2D scan.

Besides the latest technology, the Breast Center offers patients a warm, caring atmosphere that may be lacking at larger facilities, McClain said, adding, “You are a person when you come here, not a number. We offer better equipment and a homey environment with a more personal touch.

Breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer. Statistics indicate one in eight women will develop breast cancer. The stage at which it is detected influences the survival rate. The five-year rate is 98 percent for early detection.

The Breast Center is located adjacent to the hospital at 1201 S. Main St.