Think Pink: 3D mammography available at Samaritan Healthcare

MOSES LAKE — October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Samaritan Healthcare is reminding women to schedule their annual mammograms. Samaritan now offers the latest imaging technology in the battle against breast cancer—low-dose, GeniusTM 3D mammography.

The 3D mammogram has been clinically proven to be more thorough and accurate than conventional, 2D mammograms. It reduces the need for additional imaging and it increases the likelihood of finding breast cancer in its earlier stages.

The 3D machine captures 15 images that can be computer-generated into millimeter-thick increments of breast tissue. The images are captured using about the same amount of radiation in a conventional 2D mammogram and the exam is the same length of time, about 15–30 minutes.

“It’s a new day in women’s health for the Columbia Basin,” said Krystel Schafer, mammography coordinator of Samaritan’s Women’s Imaging Center. “With the old technology, they received four 2D images, but with 3D imaging, they receive hundreds of images of their breasts, providing greater confidence in the accuracy of their exams.”

The 3D machine also allows Samaritan to perform specialized biopsies on abnormalities, such as calcifications, that do not show up on ultrasound.

Schafer has seen an increase in patients traveling to Samaritan from other healthcare facilities and communities to receive this technology.

“We are the only facility in Grant County, and within a 70-mile radius, to offer this full array of breast-imaging services, from screening to diagnosis,” said Schafer. “It is important to provide the very best technology for our patients in the fight against breast cancer. It has become our standard of care.”

To schedule a mammogram, call (509) 793-9651 or learn more by visiting www.samaritanhealthcare.com.