Innovation
Advanced Imaging Services at Southcoast Health Breast Care
At Southcoast Health Breast Care, we put our community at the forefront of everything we do.
This includes ensuring we provide the best care for the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.
For years now, Southcoast Health has recommended patients begin annual mammogram screenings at age 40, coinciding with the recommendation by the American College of Radiology. We implemented this guidance even before the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force updated their recommended minimum screening age to 40 earlier this year.
Over the years, not only has Southcoast Health advocated for lowering the recommended screening age for mammograms, but we have made it our mission to offer the latest and most advanced technology for our patients.
Today, we are proud to offer 3D mammograms, also called Tomosynthesis, an advanced screening that uses X-rays to create 3D images of the inside of the breast.
“As of this summer, we are proud to be 100 percent 3D at Southcoast Health,” says Dr. Jonathan Bojarksi, Medical Director for Breast Imaging at Southcoast Health. “Unlike traditional mammograms, 3D mammograms allow us to look at the breast through thin slices – we can see through overlapping densities. This provides us with a more accurate way of detecting breast cancer and may even reduce the need for follow-up imaging. This advanced imaging also helps us detect breast cancer in dense breast tissue.”
According to the American College of Radiology, yearly screenings can reduce a woman’s risk of dying of breast cancer by 40 percent. Currently three out of four women who develop breast cancer have no family history of the disease or other risk factors besides being women. This shows why staying up to date on your annual screenings is critically important.
The organization also states that Black, Hispanic, Asian and Ashkenazi Jewish populations are at a higher risk of developing aggressive forms of early onset breast cancer, especially around the age of 40. These women are encouraged to speak with their doctor about their risk of breast cancer by age 25.
“Our Breast Care centers are cohesive units. We care immensely for our patients and keep everyone involved in a patient’s care continuously up to date,” says Dr. Bojarski. “Our clinical specialists are in constant communication and our comprehensive breast care team meet every week to review patients’ care plans.”
Take a positive step for your health and schedule your 3D mammogram today!
For more information on Southcoast Health Breast Care, visit Comprehensive Breast Care Center RI & MA | Southcoast Health.