3D Mammography 101: What You Need to Know

When it comes to breast cancer detection, earlier is better—and so is clearer. That’s why Lakewood Health System is now offering Genius™ 3D Mammography™ exams with SmartCurve™ technology—a more advanced, more comfortable way to screen for breast cancer.

But what exactly is 3D mammography, and how is it different from the traditional 2D mammogram? Let’s break it down.

What is 3D Mammography?
Also known as breast tomosynthesis, 3D mammography takes multiple images of the breast from different angles and creates a layered, three-dimensional view. This allows radiologists to examine breast tissue one thin “slice” at a time—much like flipping through pages in a book—making it easier to spot abnormalities that may be hidden in a flat image.

How is 3D Better Than 2D?
Compared to traditional 2D mammography, the Genius™ 3D exam is:

• More Accurate: Detects 20–65% more invasive breast cancers.¹
• More Reassuring: Reduces callbacks for additional imaging by up to 40%.⁴⁻⁵
• FDA-Approved: The only mammogram FDA-approved as superior for women with dense breasts.⁴⁻⁶

What About Comfort?
We hear you—comfort matters. That’s why our 3D technology includes the SmartCurve™ system, which features a curved compression surface that mirrors the natural shape of the breast. The result? Less pinching, less pressure, and more comfort. In fact, 93% of women who previously experienced discomfort reported an improved experience with SmartCurve™.³

Who Should Get a 3D Mammogram?
3D mammograms are appropriate for all women, but especially beneficial for those with dense breast tissue, a family history of breast cancer, or prior imaging concerns. If you’re over 40, it’s time to talk to your provider about annual breast cancer screenings.

Take the next step toward peace of mind. To schedule your Genius™ 3D Mammogram at Lakewood Health System, call 218-894-8465 or talk to your provider.

References

1. Kadence International, Ten Thousand Quantitative Findings Research Study (5107), April 2017.
2. Kadence International, Patient Journey Research Study (1213), March 2015.
3. Smith, A. Improving Patient Comfort in Mammography. Hologic WP-00019 Rev 001 (2017).
4. Friedewald, SM, et al. "Breast cancer screening using tomosynthesis in combination with digital mammography." JAMA24 (2014): 2499-2507.
5. Bernardi D, Macaskill P, Pellegrini M, et al. "Breast cancer screening with tomosynthesis (3D mammography) with acquired or synthetic 2D mammography compared with 2D mammography alone (STORM-2)." Lancet Oncol. 2016 Aug;17(8):1105-13.
6. FDA submissions P080003, P080003/S001, P080003/S004, P080003/S005.
7. Rafferty EA, Durand MA, Conant EF, et al. "Breast Cancer Screening Using Tomosynthesis and Digital Mammography in Dense and Nondense Breasts." JAMA. 2016 Apr 26;315(16):1784–6.