JCHC Foundation

JCHC Foundation donates over $300,000.00 for the newest Mammography technology

JCHC is very grateful to the JCHC foundation for donating funds to acquire 3D mammography technology for our community.  We would like to explain why we thought this was a very important investment.

What do women need to know about mammography?

Mammography is the only test that has been shown in multiple studies to lower a woman’s risk of dying from breast cancer.  Annual screening mammography beginning at age 40 saves the most lives.  This, along with an annual exam with your family doctor and a monthly self-breast exam at home are the best ways to catch cancer early.

What is 3D mammography?

You may have heard of 3D mammography.  Also known as digital breast tomosynthesis is the latest mammogram technology being used for breast cancer screening.

How does 3D mammography work?

A 3D scan takes a series of x-rays of the breast from different angles and then creates a 3-dimensional image of the breast. The test is done in the same way as a conventional mammogram. Studies show that 3D technology increases the detection of invasive breast cancers. Tomosynthesis has also been shown to decrease the recall rate – the number of women who need additional mammogram views to evaluate a possible abnormality.

Is 3D mammography better than 2D?

Yes, 3D mammography has higher cancer detection rates. While it is not a silver bullet (there are still some breast cancers we do not find with 3D mammograms), it is a definite improvement over 2D. 3D mammography also has a lower recall rate, meaning that fewer women need to return for additional images.

Who should have a 3D scan?

All women who have a screening mammogram benefit from 3D tomosynthesis. However, women with dense breast tissue are likely to benefit the most. Dense breast tissue means a woman has more glandular tissue compared to fatty tissue. On a mammogram, glandular tissue appears white, while fatty tissue appears gray. Unfortunately, cancer is also white on a mammogram. Since the radiologist is able to view the breast as thin slices, a 3D mammogram can better differentiate cancer from overlying glandular tissue, increasing cancer detection and decreasing chances of a “false positive.”

What about women who are at high risk?

Some women are at higher risk for developing breast cancer, due to family history or other factors.  We recommend that they visit with their family doctor to have a comprehensive risk assessment. 3D mammography, breast ultrasound, and MRI are detection options available at JCHC.

Does 3D mammography have a higher radiation dose than 2D mammography?

While a mammogram does use radiation, it is a very small amount and is within the medical guidelines.   Because mammography is a screening tool, it is highly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, Mammography Quality and Standards Act and other governing organizations, like the American College of Radiology. A mammogram is safe as long as the facility you go to is certified by the regulating agencies. There is constant background radiation in the world that we are exposed to every day. The radiation dose from a mammogram is equal to about two months of background radiation for the average woman.

Thank you, JCHC Foundation

We are so very thankful to the foundation for making it possible for JCHC to acquire this excellent technology.  We are sure that this will save lives in Johnson County.

To learn more about the JCHC Foundation, Click Here

Mammography Information Compiled from

1. Ermelinda Bonaccio, MD, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
2. Sarah Zeb, Johns Hopkins University

Links for more information about mammography:

6 mammogram Myths

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/breast-cancer/6-mammogram-myths

10 Important Things to know about mammograms

https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/slideshows/mammograms

Facts and Myths about Mammography

http://www.bccancer.bc.ca/screening/breast/breast-health/facts-myths

What to expect from your 3D mammogram exam

https://www.mycdi.com/blog/what-to-expect-from-your-3d-mammogram-exam/You