A clearer image of cancer risk

Sandy Rogers and Lisa Parsons of Noosa Radiology with the new 3D mammography machine.

NOOSA Radiology is excited to announce the arrival of 3D mammography at their Noosaville clinic.
3D Mammography shows a significant improvement in early detection rates and a reduction the number of women who are unnecessarily recalled for further testing by 15-40 per cent.
Noosa Radiology is proud to offer 3D mammography exams to women living in the Sunshine Coast for earlier breast cancer detection than ever before.
This technology produces a three-dimensional view of breast tissue and has been shown in clinical studies to be significantly superior to traditional 2D mammography.
3D mammography enables radiologists to identify and characterise individual breast structures without the confusion of overlapping tissue, which can result in false positive findings with traditional 2D mammography.
Research shows 15-40 per cent more women will be spared the anxiety of being called back for further testing with 3D mammography.
Noosa Radiology chief radiologist Dr Drew McMenamin said he believed 3D mammography would benefit all patients.
“This will be especially valuable for women seeking a diagnostic mammogram such as those with a strong family history or patients with any breast changes or symptoms, as well as women in their forties with dense breast tissue,” he said.
“The advantage of the latest 3D technology is the dose savings for our patients compared with previous generation 3D machines.
“Traditional 2D mammography, which is the most common screening method in Australia, unfortunately has some limitations. It can miss some cancers and produce false positive results as breast structures can overlap and normal tissue may appear as abnormal, often leading to unnecessary anxiety and avoidable biopsies.”
Dr McMenamin said early detection was the best defence in the fight against breast cancer.
“Patients have an increased chance of survival if the cancer is found early – especially invasive breast cancers, which are the ones that have grown outside of the milk duct into surrounding, healthy tissues,” he said.
“With 3D mammography, we have improved capability to detect breast cancer earlier than ever before at more treatable stages.”
In Australia breast cancer is the most common cancer in women and the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in women. An estimated 15,600 Australian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and one in eight women will be diagnosed in their lifetime.
Noosa Radiology is a leader in breast imaging in Australia, offering a complete range of diagnostic and interventional services including breast ultrasound and breast MRI, as well as CT and nuclear imaging.
They also offer a breast cancer risk assessment to tailor screening to an individual’s needs.
To schedule an appointment or if you have any questions about this important breast health procedure, please phone 5440 9700.
Noosa Radiology is at shop 301, 30 Goodchap Street, Noosaville.