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Mammogram FAQs

Breast Cancer Screening

The goal of good breast health care is to screen for breast cancer by having a mammogram which can find cancer in its earliest stage, before there are signs or symptoms of disease. Early detection can help save lives, providing the greatest opportunity for successful treatment. The American Cancer Society recommends an annual screening mammogram for women age 40 and older. Your doctor may recommend screening at an earlier age, depending on your family history or other risk factors. 

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is a non-invasive X-ray used to check breasts for breast cancer and other abnormalities. A mammogram is the best preventive tool in the fight against breast cancer and is the only test shown to reduce breast cancer deaths. While a mammogram cannot prevent breast cancer, it can help find cancer early, when it is most treatable — long before it can be felt or before a person has symptoms. Early detection improves the odds of survival and can help avoid more extensive treatment.

What is a 3D Mammogram?
Because Missouri Baptist Medical Center is committed to providing women with high-quality care and the latest technology available to detect breast cancer, we use breast tomosynthesis or 3D mammography at all five Missouri Baptist mammogram locations, including our mobile mammography van. 3D mammography is the highest resolution breast scan available. Compared to traditional mammography machines that produce one flat picture, 3D mammography produces layers upon layers of high-resolution images of breast tissue. This allows the radiologist to scroll through your digital mammogram page by page, layer by layer, to look for suspicious masses — allowing for earlier detection should cancer be present.

Benefits of 3D Mammography

  • More Accurate Detection and Earlier Diagnosis:
    Fine details are more clearly visible with 3D mammography, helping doctors find smaller cancers sooner, when they are most treatable.
  • Better Detection for Women with Dense Breast Tissue:
    Thicker breast tissue can cause shadows, hiding cancers from conventional mammograms. 3D technology allows examination of breast tissue one layer at a time, essentially building a 3-dimensional mammogram, making it easier to identify cancers in women dense breast tissue.
  • Reduces the Need for Additional Testing:
    Better visualization of breast tissue with 3D mammography can help reduce the chance of patients being called back for additional testing, decreasing anxiety.

Schedule your mammogram online today at one of Missouri Baptist’s five mammography locations or call 314-996-5170.