Digital Mammography

3D Mammography

One out of eight women will develop breast cancer some time during her life - this means one new diagnosis every two minutes. Men also can get breast cancer, and nearly 2,200 new cases of male breast cancer are expected this year, according to the American Cancer Society. The rate of breast cancer incidence is higher in Iowa, as it ranks 16th among all states for female breast cancer incidence and mortality rates. Patients in Ida Grove and surrounding communities can experience the high-tech benefits of digital 3D Breast Tomosynthesis technology with Horn Memorial Hospital's Siemens MAMMOMAT Inspiration digital mammography system. With this new technology in our area, patients no longer have to leave the community for 3D Breast Tomosynthesis.

"Our community was very supportive in fundraising efforts to bring a new digital mammography system to our hospital. We are proud to say that donations from individuals, businesses and farmers as well as contests, golf outings, and other event fundraisers helped us purchase the new digital mammography system, which was installed on June 18." comments Jerri Downs, Radiology Director. How it works:

The 3D mammogram is just like the 2D experience. The breast is compressed under a paddle as images are taken of the breast. Unlike 2D mammography, True Breast Tomosynthesis takes X-Ray pictures of each breast from many angles that are not available in traditional mammography. The tube moves in a 50-degree arc around the breast taking 25 images during the exam. Those images are sent to a computer and assembled into a three-dimensional picture of the breast. The result is a clearer image that helps us look inside the breast layer by layer to find tumors better than standard 2D mammography alone, with fewer recalls.

Risk Factors for Breast Cancer:

A family history of breast cancer, especially in your mother, sister or daughter
Age in general, the older you are, the greater your risk
Never giving birth to a child
Having your first child after 30
Early onset of menses and/or late menopause
Obesity

Breast Cancer Facts:

A woman's chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime is 1 in 8.
More than 40,000 women die yearly of breast cancer - that's 1 every 13 minutes!
Cure rates are very high when breast cancer is diagnosed and treated at an early stage.

3D Mammography

A Message from the Radiology Director:

"We commit ourselves every day to matching our compassionate care for women with state-of-the-art mammogram technology. That is why we now offer wide-angle 3D Breast Tomosynthesis. It's new mammogram technology that gives every woman her best chance for an early and accurate diagnosis. 3D Breast Tomosynthesis can find cancers even earlier with a 27% increase in cancer detection and a 40% increase in detecting invasive cancers."

~ Crystal Endrulat, Radiology Director

Mammography exams are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.