3D Versus 2D Mammograms

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The average risk of a woman in the United States developing breast cancer sometime in her life is 13 percent, which is one in every eight women according to the American Cancer Society. Screenings and early detection are key.

Washington Regional Medical Center is proud to be one of the few facilities in eastern North Carolina to offer 3D mammography services at our Norma Lorraine Avignone Women’s Health Center. A 3D mammogram is an imaging test that combines multiple breast X-rays to create a three-dimensional picture of the breast. Research has shown 3D mammograms outperform the traditional 2D mammograms by finding more breast cancers and offering fewer false positives.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends women who are 50 to 74 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every two years. Women who are 40 to 49 years old should talk to their doctor or other health care professional about when to start and how often to get a mammogram.

The schedule a mammogram, call 252-793-7706 or visit https://www.washingtonregionalmedical.org/services/womens-health/