Norwood Hospital is proud to be among the first in the area to offer 3D mammography (breast tomosynthesis) for routine breast cancer screening. Breast tomosynthesis helps radiologists identify and characterize individual breast structures without the confusion of overlapping tissue by examining breast tissue one layer at a time.

3D mammography has a higher cancer detection rate than conventional 2D mammography alone.1 Radiologists are reporting that tomosynthesis technology gives them increased confidence with a significant reduction in the need for follow-up imaging. 2

“We are so pleased to have this new screening and diagnostic tool for the early detection of breast cancer,” said Jane A. Auger, MD, Radiologist at Norwood Hospital. “3-D mammography gives the radiologist a clearer view of the breast by bringing together multiple images of the tissue at different angles,” she added. “We can then review the breast structure one thin slice at time—similar to turning pages in a book—making it easier to see if there’s anything to be concerned about.”

During a tomosynthesis exam, multiple, low-dose images of the breast are acquired at different angles. These images are then used to produce a series of one-millimeter thick slices that can be viewed as a 3D reconstruction of the breast.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, exceeded only by lung cancer. Statistics indicate that one in eight women will develop breast cancer sometime in her lifetime. The stage at which breast cancer is detected influences a woman’s chance of survival. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is 98 percent.3

“Norwood Hospital is committed to early detection and the fight against breast cancer,” said Emily Holliman, Norwood Hospital president. “By offering women the most advanced technology in mammography, our hope is to increase the number of area women who will be routinely screened. With 3D mammography, they can be confident that our physicians are looking at the highest quality images and best care possible.”

If you are due for your annual mammogram and would like to schedule an appointment , please contact Norwood Hospital at 781-762-5595.

1 Skaane P, Gullien R, Eben EB, et. al. Reading time of FFDM and tomosynthesis in a population-based screening program.
    Radiological Society of North America annual meeting. Chicago, Il, 2011.
2 FDA PMA submission P080003.
3 Breast Cancer Facts & Figures 2011, American Cancer Society.