DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A recent study from Solis Mammography, the nation’s leader in breast imaging, sheds some light on the ever-evolving mammogram guidelines that cause confusion for women across the globe. In an examination of nearly 60,000 screenings, 3D mammography notably increased cancer detection while decreasing recall rates for women younger than 50.
Solis Mammography Chief Medical Officer and Rose Imaging Specialists President Dr. Stephen L. Rose – considered one of the nation’s leading experts in tomosynthesis – and Director of Clinical Operations Julie L. Shisler revealed that 3D mammography in a community setting increased cancer detection rates by 42 percent for women younger than 50 and by a whopping 62 percent for those with dense breast tissue. The research also indicated that women ages 40-49 and women with dense breast tissue will receive fewer callbacks with 3D mammography, reducing unneeded anxiety. The original research, “Tomosynthesis Impact on Breast Cancer Screening in Patients Younger Than 50 Years Old,” was published in the American Journal of Roentgenology.
“This research confirms Solis’ position on mammography: women need to begin their annual mammography at age 40, especially since the American Cancer Society estimates 19 percent of all invasive breast cancer diagnoses in 2018 will be in women younger than 50 years old,” said James Polfreman, president and CEO, Solis Mammography. “As the nation’s largest independent provider of breast health screenings, the insights provided by this type of medical research will greatly change the way we approach breast imaging. Last year we performed approximately one million procedures, catapulting Solis Mammography to the forefront of breast imaging research. Our current and future research will have profound effects on patient care, innovation, outcomes, and laws/guidelines.”
Providing the equivalent of 60 images of breast tissue divided into 1 mm slices, 3D mammography allows the radiologist to see abnormalities and find masses that might otherwise remain hidden within dense breast tissue. This is compared to conventional 2D mammography, which offers the radiologist just four single views, two of each breast through compressed breast tissue.
From a patient’s point of view, there is no noticeable difference between a 2D exam and a 3D exam. The procedure takes roughly the same amount of time, compression and positioning. The only change a woman will see is that instead of the camera arm of the machine remaining stationary (as in a 2D mammogram) the arm will swing around the breast as it takes the multiple 3D images.
While the Affordable Care Act mandates private insurance cover the full cost of a 2D screening mammogram, eight states: Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Texas, have passed laws to mandate all insurers in these states cover 3D mammography as the minimum standard and ensure the procedure is covered by all insurers.
To download a copy of “Tomosynthesis Impact on Breast Cancer Screening in Patients Younger Than 50 Years Old,” visit http://tiny.cc/AJRRoseShisler.
About Solis
Celebrating over three decades in breast imaging, Solis Mammography is headquartered in Addison, Texas. Solis currently operates 50 centers across seven major markets – North Texas; Houston, Texas; Phoenix, Arizona; Columbus, Ohio; Greensboro, North Carolina; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and, through its acquisition of Washington Radiology (WR), the D.C. metropolitan area.
Solis operates both wholly-owned centers and multiple successful joint ventures with hospital partners. Solis Mammography (including WR), completed nearly one million procedures last year with highly-specialized imaging services including screening and diagnostic mammography (2D and 3D), computer-aided detection, breast ultrasound, stereotactic biopsy and ultrasound-guided biopsy. Visit www.SolisMammo.com for more information.