North Alabama Medical Center has announced the addition of 3D mammography services to its Tri-State Center for Breast Health.

The advanced technology captures images of the breast from multiple angles to ensure a more complete and accurate scan. Professionals say this allows for earlier and more effective detection of breast cancer and helps reduce the number of return visits caused by false positives.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer this advanced technology and further enhance the high quality care we provide to the women in our community,” said Brandon Fisher, director of imaging services at Tri-State Center for Breast Health. “Our 3D mammography service will help make it possible to detect breast cancer in earlier stages so treatment can begin sooner, giving our patients a greater chance of beating the disease.”

A 3D mammogram, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis or “tomo,” is a type of digital mammogram that follows the same basic procedure of standard 2D digital mammography.

This advanced procedure requires no additional breast compression and lasts a few seconds longer than standard 2D digital mammography.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Regular mammogram screenings are recommended for women age 40 and older as an essential tool for early detection and the fight against breast cancer.

The Tri-State Center for Breast Health is located at the ECM East campus at 2111 Cloyd Blvd., in Florence.