3D technology clinically proven to increase invasive cancer detection and reduce recall rates

(Sharon, PA) – May 9, 2016 – Sharon Regional Medical Center announced today that it is now offering advanced breast cancer screening through the use of a new 3D mammography exam system. Utilizing advanced breast tomosynthesis technology, 3D mammography exams are clinically proven to significantly increase the detection of breast cancers, while simultaneously decreasing the number of women asked to return for additional testing.

In conventional 2D mammography, overlapping tissue is a leading reason why small breast cancers may be missed and normal tissue may appear abnormal, leading to unnecessary callbacks. A 3D exam includes a three-dimensional method of imaging that can greatly reduce the tissue overlap effect.

A 3D breast exam includes both 2D images and tomosynthesis scans. During the tomosynthesis portion of the exam, an X-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over the breast, taking multiple images. A computer then converts the images into a stack of thin layers, allowing the radiologist to review the breast tissue one layer at a time. The exam requires no additional compression and takes just a few seconds longer than a conventional 2D breast cancer screening exam.

The new system is approved by the FDA and allows our radiologists to more effectively pinpoint the size, shape and location of abnormalities. This leads to better detection and greater peace of mind for our patients.

Large clinical studies in the U.S. and Europe have demonstrated the positive benefits of a 3D mammography exam. The largest study to date on breast cancer screening was published in the June 25, 2014 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).i Findings include:

• A 41% increase in the detection of invasive breast cancers.
• A 29% increase in the detection of all breast cancers.
• A 15% decrease in women recalled for additional imaging.

Sharon Regional is committed to the fight against breast cancer. In offering the 3D technology for the exam, The Sharon Regional Breast Care Center now provides the most effective imaging tool for breast cancer screening. According to Jason Roeback, CEO of Sharon Regional Medical Center, “Our organization remains committed to making the critical investments in technology, such as 3D mammography, to diagnose and treat breast cancer right here in our community. We are pleased to be able to add this to our already comprehensive list of breast care services offered at the Sharon Regional Breast Care Center, which provides care to women and families in the communities we serve.”

To schedule a screening mammography or a 3D mammography exam, or for questions about this important breast health procedure, please contact The Sharon Regional Breast Care Center at 2425 Garden Way, Hermitage, PA or call (724) 983-3945 or visit SHARONBREASTCARE.COM.

About Sharon Regional Medical Center
Sharon Regional Medical Center has provided health care services to the region for more than 120 years. Mercer County’s largest hospital and healthcare system consists of a 251-bed Joint Commission accredited hospital, along with 22 satellite centers in Sharon, Hermitage, Mercer, New Castle, and Hubbard. Sharon Regional offers specialized services including Behavioral Health, Breast Care, Cancer Care, Diabetes, Emergency Care with specialized stroke and heart attack care, Mercer County’s only certified chest pain center, primary stroke center, open heart/angioplasty/ heart care institute, Sleep Medicine, Sports Medicine, Inpatient Rehabilitation, School of Nursing, School of Radiography, Women’s Center and Wound Recovery & Hyperbaric Medicine.

*Friedewald SM, Rafferty EA, Rose SL, Durand MA, Plecha DM, Greenberg JS, Hayes MK, Copit DS, Carlson KL, Cink TM, Barke LD, Greer LN, Miller DP, Conant EF, Breast Cancer Screening Using Tomosynthesis in Combination with Digital Mammography, JAMA June 25, 2014