BCHC Approves Purchase in the Newest Advancement in Mammography – 3D
(Independence, IA)- On May 23rd, 2017 Buchanan County Health Center (BCHC) Board approved the purchase and installation of a new 3D Mammogram machine. The Genius™ 3D Mammography™ will
replace the current 2D mammography machine.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, exceeded only by lung cancer. Statistics indicate that one in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her lifetime. The stage at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman’s chance of survival. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is 98 percent.
Offering 3D technology for mammography patients brings many benefits such as:
- 3D detects 41% more invasive breast cancers than 2D.
- The Genius 3D Mammography™ is the only mammogram proven to detect breast cancers up to15 months earlier. Finding and treating breast cancers earlier gives women the best chance of
survival. - Minimizes compression time and increases patient comfort and the radiation dose delivered is below the safe level set by the FDA and is comparable to the 2D machine.
- Reduced callback for additional images by up to 40%. For many women, this may mean being spared the emotional, practical and economical burdens of additional diagnostic evaluations,
including biopsies.
Being able to offer 3D mammography at BCHC is a huge asset to our community, as patients will no longer have to travel out of town for this service.
“3D mammograms are appropriate for all women who need a standard mammogram regardless of age or breast type,” said Dr. Arnold Honick, radiologist at RCI. “Although the benefit is greatest in women
with a history of breast cancer or those with dense breast tissue, it has been found to be beneficial for all breast density types.”
The American Cancer Society recommends that all women receive annual mammograms beginning at age 40 – and consult with their doctor earlier if they have a family history of breast cancer.
The projected date to begin offering 3D mammograms at BCHC is August 2017
For additional information on the services offered at BCHC, including the new 3D mammography service, please visit www.bchealth.org or follow ‘Buchanan County Health Center’ on Facebook.