Mercy Women’s Health Clinic to offer 3D mammograms starting October 31

COON RAPIDS, Minn. (October 23, 2019) — Beginning October 31, Mercy Women’s Health Clinic will start offering 3D mammograms. The installation of the new advanced device is part of an Allina Health system-wide effort to provide the most effective tools available to help detect breast cancers at the earliest possible stage.

"Early detection is the best protection because finding breast cancer early improves the likelihood that treatment will be successful," said Mercy Women’s Health Clinic lead physician, Dr. Brent Dumermuth. "Mammograms are safe and effective in detecting breast cancer in its earliest stage and with our new 3D mammography device we are providing our patients with the best possible tool to find cancers at the earliest possible stage."

3D mammography is an FDA-approved advanced technology that takes multiple images, or X-rays, of breast tissue to recreate a 3-dimensional picture of the breast. It’s different from traditional mammography in that a traditional mammography obtains just a single image. Images from both technologies are read on a computer.

These multiple images of breast tissue slices give doctors a clearer image of the breast. It makes it easier to detect breast cancer.

Also, if you have dense breast tissue you may benefit from having a 3D mammogram. Also known as digital breast tomosynthesis, 3D mammography creates more detailed images of the breast tissue.

Allina Health makes these recommendations for screening mammography if you have an average risk for breast cancer, based on American Cancer Society guidelines:

• age 40-44: mammograms are optional
• age 45-54: have a mammogram every year
• age 55 & older: have a mammogram every year or transition to having one every two years
• continue to have mammograms as long as your health is good

If you have a higher than average risk for breast cancer, your health care provider may recommend a different schedule.

Women can be referred to Mercy Women’s Health Clinic for a 3D mammogram by their physician, or they can make an appointment directly by calling (763) 236-9236.

Allina Health is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of illness and enhancing the greater health of individuals, families and communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. A not-for-profit health care system, Allina Health cares for patients from beginning to end-of-life through its 90+ clinics, 10 hospitals / 13 campuses, 15 retail pharmacies, and many specialty care centers and specialty medical services, home care, and emergency medical transportation services.