Who should get a 3D mammogram?
DBT is primarily used for screening mammography, as studies show that screening is the place where DBT makes the most difference in finding breast cancer and decreasing the need for diagnostic mammograms and ultrasound. Those who may benefit the greatest are:
- Women who have been diagnosed with dense breasts
- Women with a history of breast cancer
- Any woman who is undergoing her first (baseline) mammogram
Women should talk with their physicians at their next regularly scheduled appointment to determine if DBT mammography is appropriate for future breast cancer screenings.
Those who receive traditional digital mammography are still receiving one of the most advanced and well-proven technologies to assist in the early detection of breast cancer. In fact, screening mammograms used for further detection of breast abnormalities are still conducted using traditional digital mammography in most cases.
3D mammography for dense breast tissue
Approximately 45% of women undergoing screening mammography are classified as having either "heterogeneously dense" or "extremely dense" breasts. Fewer than 10% of all women have "extremely dense" breast tissue, which is associated with a relative risk of breast cancer of approximately 2 compared with average breast density. 40% of women have "heterogeneously dense" breast tissue, which is associated with a relative risk of approximately 1.2. Therefore, breast density is not a major cancer risk factor.
Breasts are considered dense if there is a lot of fibrous or glandular tissue but not much fatty tissue. Dense breasts can make it difficult to detect cancer. In a traditional mammogram, cancer can ‘hide’ or be obscured within the dense tissue. With a 3D mammogram, breast tissue can be examined layer by layer, making it easier to detect cancer in its earliest stage.
Make an appointment for a 3D mammogram
Digital breast tomosynthesis mammography is offered at these Henry Ford locations:
- Henry Ford Allegiance Health
Phone: (517) 205-4905 - Henry Ford Allegiance Health - Professional Building
Phone: (517) 205-4905 - Henry Ford Allegiance Women’s Health Center
Phone: (517) 205-4905 - Henry Ford Health Center - Brownstown
Phone: (734) 246-9601 - Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Clinton Township
Phone: (586) 203-1600 - Henry Ford Medical Center - Fairlane
Phone: (313) 982-8650 - Henry Ford Medical Center - Lakeside
Phone: (586) 247-2700 - Henry Ford Medical Center - New Center One
Phone: (313) 916-9712 - Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital
Phone: (248) 661-4100 - Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital
Phone: (734) 246-9601
