Say, “YES, MAMM”… To Your 3D Mammogram

If you’ve recently joined the “40 & Older Women’s Club” (welcome!) or been a long-standing member, you have more than likely heard of the importance of having an annual mammogram.

The American Medical Association and the American College of Radiology agree that at age 40+, you should have an annual screening mammogram and a physical examination of your breasts. Screenings and examinations may be recommended sooner if you have a family history of breast cancer or other increased risks.

As mothers, wives and caretakers, women often put their health on the back burner, prioritizing family, careers and other obligations. However, getting an annual checkup is one of the most important things you can and should do for yourself and those you love.

It is estimated that one out of eight women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime, and according to the American Cancer Society, over 43,000 will die from it this year.

Early detection is vital to finding and identifying breast cancer when it’s more treatable, and screening is key to early detection. Annual mammograms have reduced breast cancer mortality by at least 40% over the last 25 years.

Yes, it can all seem daunting and overwhelming, but we are here to help ease your mind. The Mammography Program at North Oaks offers affordable, high-quality screening and diagnostic services by an experienced and caring team. Our arsenal of high-performance tools, such as three-dimensional (3D) mammography, is clinically proven to help detect and diagnose breast cancer at its earliest stages and focuses on your comfort and convenience.

How does 3D mammography work, and what makes it so much better?

With 3D mammograms, low-dose x-rays are used to create digital images of the breast taken in “slices” from numerous angles to deliver a more detailed view. Imagine the pages of a book all coming together to create an incredibly clear 3D reconstruction of your breasts that can be analyzed one page at a time.

Unlike traditional 3D mammography platforms, North Oaks’ 3D mammography unit utilizes ProFound AI™ advanced cancer detection technology built on artificial intelligence (AI). AI helps to more efficiently scrutinize the massive amounts of data and pictures collected from the scans to find possible masses and abnormalities. Ultimately, potentially lifesaving results are provided to patients more quickly with increased detection rates and fewer false positives.

Patients using 3D mammography benefit from:

• More accurate results
• Faster diagnosis (Results are typically provided to your doctor within 48 hours of your visit.)
• Improved cancer detection
• Fewer unnecessary callbacks
• Fewer false positives
• New comfort design

In addition, 3D mammography is especially beneficial for women with dense breasts because the 3D image allows doctors to see through dense breast tissue more easily.

As we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month and celebrate all things pink this October, please make it a priority to check in with a health care provider to schedule a checkup. Our North Oaks team can assist you if you have been putting off your annual mammogram or are due for your first one.

So, what are you waiting for? Say, “YES, MAMM” to your 3D mammogram today.

North Oaks offers 3D mammography services at two convenient locations in Hammond and Livingston (a physician’s order is required). To schedule your checkup or 3D mammogram, call North Oaks Patient Scheduling at (985) 230-7777 from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or visit northoaks.org/3DMammo for more information.