CMH Breast Center upgrades to 3D mammography

Services
• 26 March 2025

Citizens Memorial Hospital has upgraded to 3D mammography, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis, at the CMH Breast Center. This advanced technology helps detect breast cancer earlier.

Unlike traditional 2D mammography, which captures images from two angles, 3D mammography takes multiple images from different angles. This technology is particularly beneficial for women with dense breast tissue. Studies show that it can help doctors detect breast cancer earlier and reduce the need for follow-up tests.

“Patients will notice little difference in the mammogram process other than it taking a little longer,” said Jana Horner, M.D., board certified diagnostic radiologist with the CMH Breast Center. “The 3D images give me more information for improved diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. It’s an additional tool in our mammogram toolbox.”

Early versions of 3D mammography used higher radiation doses because more images were taken. However, new software has reduced the extra radiation to a minimal level.

“Initially, when they brought out tomosynthesis, the radiation dose was quite a bit higher because we have to take more images,” Dr. Horner said. “But the software algorithm reconstructions are so good now that there’s minimal extra radiation, even for the extra pictures. The radiation addition with the 3D mammogram is now negligible.”

Breast cancer affects about 1 in 8 women, but screening mammograms help find cancer early when it’s easier to treat.

“The goal is to find a breast cancer that’s too small for a patient to be able to feel,” Dr. Horner said. “It’s small enough that clinically you can’t find it any other way. We know that the smaller it is, the more likely you will be completely cured.”

The American College of Radiology recommends that women at average risk start getting annual mammograms at age 40. All women should have a risk assessment by age 25 to determine if they are at higher risk.

To schedule a screening mammogram, call the CMH Breast Care Center at 417-326-7860 or schedule online through the CMH Patient Portal.