DETROIT – The Henry Ford Health System Department of Radiology is pushing the drive for breast cancer screening and education in their new Mobile Mammography vehicle, which is fully-equipped with state-of-the-art digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), also known as 3D mammography, and available for visits at 11 convenient locations in southeast Michigan. Henry Ford also offers mobile mammography at nine locations in southcentral Michigan.
Henry Ford physicians are encouraging women to ASK – ask for an exam, ask about breast density, and ask other women. Early detection of breast cancer can be the key to survival and having a mammogram can make a critical difference in the care and management of the disease. Research has shown that three lifestyle factors – avoiding alcohol, avoiding obesity, and avoiding hormone replacement therapy involving estrogen and progestin – could prevent nearly 30 percent of breast cancers.
Women who benefit most from DBT screening include those who have been diagnosed by a physician as having “radiographically” dense breasts. The term does not relate to the size, shape, or fatty tissue in the breast. It refers to the amount of fibrous tissue or tissue from milk glands and ducts in the breast.
The density of breasts can obscure images in traditional digital mammography, making it more difficult to find cancer and calcifications. However, DBT mammography takes multiple low-dose, X-ray images of the breast from several angles and in many “layers.” These images are combined to create a 3D picture of the breast. Tiny details of breast tissue and small tumors can be seen by the radiologist, who can detect cancer in its earliest stage.
Also, women benefit from fewer false-positives. Although some areas may look like cancer, after additional tests and further review, those areas may turn out to be normal. In addition to women with dense breasts, others will benefit from DBT, including women with a strong family history of breast cancer, those who have had a history of breast cancer, and those having their first mammograms.
The Mobile Mammography vehicle is a self-contained, luxury coach that provides the highest-quality imaging and professional medical care. The same excellent care is provided in the Mobile Mammography vehicle as is provided at Henry Ford Hospitals and Medical Centers. The vehicle includes an attractive waiting room, changing rooms, and an exam room.
Women with busy schedules will find that the screening takes approximately 30 minutes. Routine mammography results are typically available within 3-5 business days.
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