3D Mammography Available

Rutherford Regional Health System (RRHS) has announced it will soon feature 3D mammography at The Mammography Place, which is adjacent to the medical center and operated by the health system. The announcement was made as part of the "RRHS Goes Pink" event on October 26 that it holds each year in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

CEO Rebecca Segal made the announcement to employees and guests, explaining, "This is a great step forward for our community and our health system. 3D mammography is more effective in detecting breast cancer than traditional mammography and there are fewer call-backs for additional testing associated with breast cancer."

Citing the Journal of American Medical Association, Segal added, "3D mammography is used for breast cancer screening to detect lumps, tumors and other abnormalities. It provides multiple X-ray images, which are compiled to make a 3D image. Our mission is 'Making Communities Healthier' and in terms of breast health, this is the most significant addition we could make to our breast care program."

The enhanced view provided by 3D mammography gives radiologists an even clearer look at potential abnormalities and can increase cancer detection by up to 40 percent, according to breastcancer.org. It is especially effective when screening women with denser breast tissue, experts say.

The new technology is expected to be operational at The Mammography Place, located at 175 Tryon Road in Rutherfordton, by January 2018. Patients can make their own appointments to have a screening mammogram without the referral of a physician by calling The Mammography Place at 286-5671. It is recommended that women 40 years of age or older should have annual screening mammograms.

RRHS officials reiterated that if an abnormality is found in the screening mammogram, the medical center is equipped with diagnostic technology that gives physicians further data on steps for treatment. In the event that a biopsy or surgery is required, the surgeons at Rutherford Surgical Associates are able to perform those procedures at RRHS.

For more information about the Breast Care Program at RRHS or The Mammography Place, you can visit MyRutherfordRegional.com and click on the "services" tab.