Monday, May 16, 2016
3D Mammography Now Available Only at SJRMC
San Juan Regional Medical Center is pleased to now offer digital breast tomosynthesis, the newest cutting edge technology in the quest for earlier detection of breast cancer. Digital tomosynthesis, also known as 3D mammography, is an advanced form of mammography that images the breast in one millimeter slices. This allows our radiologists to look for abnormalities in many different areas of the breast compared to 2D mammography, which shows just two angles.
This state-of-the-art technology was purchased by the San Juan Medical Foundation with the help and support of the community. “We would like to thank the community for their generous donations to the Cathy Lincoln Memorial Cancer Fund,” San Juan Medical Foundation Executive Director, Brenda Shepherd, said. “Your donations during the month of October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, helped make this possible.”
Cathy Lincoln was a nurse at San Juan Regional Medical Center. She died from breast cancer at the age of 39. A memorial fund was set up in 2001 as a way to continue her legacy of caring for patients in the Four Corners.
Research shows that 3D mammography is beneficial to all patients, especially those who have dense breast tissue, a strong family history of breast cancer, and women who are regularly called back for additional tests. In fact, when 3D imaging is added to standard 2D imaging, there is a 37 percent reduction in unnecessary patient callbacks, reducing the number of false alarms. This gives women peace of mind the first time around. This new technology does not add extra time to a procedure. In addition, there is no discomfort difference between a 2D and 3D mammogram screening.
The 3D mammograms are available at two convenient Farmington locations: San Juan Regional Medical Center and the Outpatient Diagnostic Center on 30th Street. In addition to the 3D technology, both locations offer appointments in our SensorySuite. This healing environment provides patients with a more pleasant mammogram experience with the ability to control what you see, hear, and even smell during your procedure.