Inland Imaging expands mammography availability in north Spokane
Inland Imaging recently added a fourth 3D Mammography unit to its Holy Family Imaging Center in North Spokane.
The additional unit, according to Inland Imaging’s Breast Imaging Manager Marian Wilkonski, means “we will be able to continue to serve the needs of a growing population in the most convenient, timely and accurate way possible.”
The additional capacity will mean easier and more convenient scheduling for both screening and diagnostic mammogram patients on the North side.
“We’re excited to be able to offer women greater access to this technology which is now considered the ‘gold standard’ in early breast cancer detection,” said Wilkonski.
The 3D Advantage
3D mammography, represents a significant breakthrough in breast imaging technology. A powerful tool designed for early breast cancer detection, 3D mammography makes it possible to visualize breast tissue at a level of detail never before possible.
A recent study reported in the Journal of the American Medical found that 3D mammography reveals significantly more invasive cancers than traditional 2D mammograms.
3D mammography also reduces the number of women called back for additional imaging, which may help reduce patient anxiety. Invasive cancers are more likely to spread quickly or cause death.
The study’s findings included:
• A 41 percent increase in the detection of invasive breast cancers
• A 29 percent increase in the detection of all breast cancers
• A 40 percent decrease in false positives
• A 15 percent decrease in women recalled for additional imaging
New law begins June 7
Legislation recently signed by Gov. Inslee will now require coverage of 3D mammography beginning June 7. An assessment by the Washington State Health Care Authority found that there was sufficient evidence to warrant covering the imaging service.
One in eight women will get breast cancer during their lifetime. 3D mammography helps provide life-saving answers while producing potential cost savings by catching cancers early.