Did you know that women who have regular mammograms are more likely to have breast cancer detected sooner, are less likely to need aggressive treatments like mastectomy and chemotherapy, and are more likely to be cured if they do develop breast cancer?

Prowers Medical Center offers screening and diagnostic mammograms, including 3D mammography—the imaging method preferred by the American Society of Breast Surgeons over traditional mammograms.

While traditional mammography obtains a single, two-dimensional image of the breast, 3D mammography captures multiple images of your breast tissue to recreate a three-dimensional picture of the breast. Many healthcare experts agree that images obtained through 3D mammography provide radiologists with a clearer image of breast tissue, making it easier to detect breast cancer.

3D mammography is FDA-approved and is fast and easy. Because 3D mammograms may not be covered by all insurance plans, however, it is recommended to contact your insurance provider before scheduling an appointment for this exam.

Do You Need a Mammogram?

Following are the American Cancer Society breastcancer screening recommendations for women at average risk of breast cancer. You are considered average risk if you don’t have a personal history of breast cancer, a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancers, a known genetic mutation that increases your risk (such as the BRCA gene), and if you haven’t had chest radiation therapy before the age of 30.

Other risk factors in women include reproductive history, dense breasts, hormone use and lack of physical activity or being overweight/obese after menopause. Women at higher risk should get a mammogram every year, typically starting at age 30. Men with the BRCA inherited gene mutation should also get screening mammograms. Talk to your provider about your risk factors and the screening schedule that’s right for you.