Experts Say 3D Mammograms Can Catch Cancer Sooner—Here’s How the Extra $40 Could Save Your Life
In honor of National Mammography Day, everything to know about 3D mammograms—and how to get them on insurance
Breast cancer screenings can feel like a lot to manage. But here’s what matters most: Catching breast cancer early through the right screening can be truly lifesaving. In fact, the American Cancer Society reports that when breast cancer is detected in its earliest stage—before it spreads beyond the breast—women have a 99 percent chance of surviving at least five years after diagnosis. But is a newer 3D mammogram, also known as a breast tomosynthesis, worth the potential added cost compared to a more traditional mammogram? This National Mammography Day, we spoke with experts to find out.
What is a 3D mammogram?
Not sure what 3D digital breast tomosynthesis is? Annie DePasquale, MD, board-certified family medicine physician and Founder/CEO of Collaborating Docs, breaks it down for us.
“3D digital breast tomosynthesis, often called 3D mammography, is an advanced imaging technology that takes multiple X-ray images of the breast from different angles,” says Dr. DePasquale. “A computer then compiles those images into a three-dimensional picture of the breast tissue. This allows radiologists to see through overlapping layers of tissue more clearly and detect potential abnormalities that may be hidden on traditional 2D mammograms.”
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This type of breast cancer screening received FDA approval in 2011, and it’s especially effective for women with dense breast tissue.
What research says about 3D vs. 2D mammograms
A new JAMA Oncology study of more than 200,000 women with a family history of breast cancer found that 3D digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) led to fewer women being called back for extra testing after unclear mammogram results. Plus, it improved screening accuracy compared to standard 2D mammography, especially among women with a close family member, such as a mother, sister or daughter, who’s had breast cancer.
Another JAMA study found that 3D mammograms detected 41 percent more invasive cancers, meaning cancers that had spread beyond the milk ducts into surrounding breast tissue. The screenings also reduced the need for unnecessary follow-up imaging by 15 percent compared to standard 2D mammography.
“Since the 3D mammogram creates [visual] ‘slices’ of the breast tissue, it allows for each layer to be viewed individually for better detail compared to the 2D mammogram,” says Svati Singla Long, MD, fellowship-trained breast radiologist, medical director of Therapixel and owner of SSL Imaging. “Imagine a 2D mammogram like looking at a dense forest from above—the trees may overlap and hide findings. But a 3D mammogram is analogous to walking through that forest, reducing the overlap and allowing for more detail, ultimately leading to fewer call-backs for questionable findings and, most importantly, to earlier detection of cancers.”
Are 3D mammograms worth the extra $40-$100?
“All women over the age of 40, with average risk for breast cancer, are advised to get a screening mammogram annually,” says Dr. Long, whether that’s a traditional screening or a 3D mammogram, which may cost more out of pocket.
“3D mammograms can be a bit more expensive—some estimates suggest $40 to $100 more, but this depends on the imaging center,” says Dr. Long. “[However], because of the more sophisticated technology and more thorough interpretation times, it can also often save money in the long run by reducing follow-up tests and by finding [breast] cancers at an earlier stage.”
Still, our experts are convinced of its value if you can swing the added cost. “It is absolutely worth it,” says Dr. Long. “I see detection of earlier and more subtle cancers when I analyze the 3D images in addition to the 2D images, and this earlier detection can make a huge difference on patient outcomes.”
Are 3D mammograms covered by insurance?
Good news: Your insurance provider may cover a breast tomosynthesis. “Most major insurance plans—including Medicare—now cover them just like traditional 2D mammograms,” says Dr. DePasquale. “Coverage can vary by state and insurer, so patients should double-check with their provider or imaging center before the appointment.”
And if your insurance doesn’t cover it, it’s likely still worth the investment.“Even for patients whose insurance doesn’t yet cover it, the reduced anxiety of fewer callbacks and the peace of mind from a more precise screening can be invaluable,” says Dr. DePasquale.
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