MADIGAN ARMY MEDICAL CENTER, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash. – The Mammography section at Madigan Army Medical Center’s Department of Radiology unveiled the latest, cutting-edge technological innovation in the fight against breast cancer known as 3D Digital Breast Tomosynthesis or “Tomo,” on Tuesday, July 27.
At 3.7 million women in the U.S. living with breast cancer, it is the most common cancer in women and the second leading cause of cancer death in women. Approximately 13 percent, or one in eight, of all females will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
Early detection is the key to successful treatment. According to the National Institutes of Health’s National Cancer Institute Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program, there is a 99 percent five-year survival rate in those diagnosed with breast cancer that has not spread to lymph nodes. Regular annual screening mammography is the first and most critical step in the fight against breast cancer.
Since 2014, Madigan has been designated as a national Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology. Compared to other facilities, Madigan offers women the highest blend of accurate breast cancer detection, decreased unnecessary additional work-ups, and reduced biopsy rates of non-cancerous findings. The addition of tomosynthesis is expected to leverage these benefits even further.
While still taking only the standard four pictures, tomosynthesis provides additional thin slices of the entire breast at multiple viewing angles to decrease the effect of artificially increased density from overlapping tissue. This allows an “inner” look at the breast tissue beyond the older 2D mammography. The outcome is fewer callbacks for additional pictures beyond the screening exam, earlier detection of invasive breast cancer, and greater accuracy of the interpreting radiologist.
Partly due to COVID-19, Madigan performed approximately 18 percent fewer screening mammograms last year than its five-year average. With the addition of tomosynthesis, all women 40 years and older are welcome to continue, or re-join, the fight against breast cancer. As long as there are no current symptoms, such as a lump or pain in the breast, patients can schedule a mammogram on their own without first seeing their doctor.
Don’t wait! Call and schedule today at (253) 968-3669/0997.
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