Due to the generosity of the Evelyn Lilly Lutz Foundation and other benefactors mammography units across the campus were upgraded with digital breast tomosynthesis  (also known as 3D mammography or DBT).

It takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete a routine screening mammogram.  The 3D component is part of the routine study adding just minutes to the examination. 3D mammography is performed on all ages and all breast densities.

The greatest benefit of 3D mammography extends to women who have dense breast tissue (breast composition C or D). In fact, close to 50% of women screened have dense tissue.  (see patient brochure What is dense breast tissue?) Digital breast tomosynthesis produces multiple thin images of the breast (compared to one thick 2D image).  The radiologist is able to page through the breast tissue layer by layer.  These thinner images uncover cancers that would otherwise remain hidden in the thicker, single image.  This translates into improved detection of breast cancer at a smaller, earlier stage and stage matters! Breast cancers have to reach a certain size to be detected and those found with high-quality, two-view screening are usually relatively small, 1.0 to 1.5 cm or the size of a small marble.  Breast cancers found by clinical breast examination or by a woman herself usually have a median size of 2 to 2.5 cm and are more likely to be at a later stage.

There is significant added benefit to 3D mammography and that is a reduction in call backs from a screening exam.  Many call backs from the standard 2D examination will be negative or normal, the so called "false positive" result. Call backs can result in patient anxiety, additional imaging tests, biopsies and 6 month follow ups.  Data shows a decrease in call backs by approximately 15-20% due to the ability of 3D mammography to separate the overlapping structures in the breast that contribute to the call back from the traditional 2D image.

About 1 in 69 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in her forties.  Incidence increases with age.

Northeast Health System Results by age: 

From 2009-2015  1178 cancers were diagnosed (invasive and noninvasive)  

40-49: 230 cancers  (20% of total) 

50-59: 282 cancers  (24% of total) 

60-69: 308 cancers  (26% of total)

The majority of women (about 75%) who develop breast cancer have no family history of the disease.  An early stage breast cancer is typically treated with breast conserving lumpectomy with/without radiation.  Advanced, node positive disease requires more extensive treatment including chemotherapy.

Annual screening for women age 40 and over is supported by the American College of Radiology, and the Society of Breast Imaging, and has been proven to reduce death from breast cancer. Earlier detection also allows for use of less aggressive treatments.  Regular screening is also supported by the US Preventive Services Task Force.   The following quote underscores this support and references data from an analysis of MA breast cancer deaths. It's from the article, Frequently Asked Questions about Mammography and the USPSTF Recommendations: A Guide for Practitioners.

Despite the available data, it remains challenging to achieve high rates of screening and often involves collective, continuous efforts throughout the year.  Mailings, phone calls and other forms of outreach remain secondary to having a conversation with the patient that encourages screening at the time of the primary care visit.   In addition to speaking with your patients regarding early detection/less aggressive treatment, consider including information regarding our internal data (above), which shows that the rate of breast cancers more than doubles at age 40 and above.   Also valuable is addressing patient fears of excessive radiation, as shared above.