Baptist Health expands 3D screening mammography to all screening locations, providing the most access in the area

Based on a growing body of evidence that 3D mammography is the best tool for early detection of breast cancer, Baptist Health has made a significant commitment to this advanced technology as the standard of care for breast screening. In August, the health system achieved 100% adoption of 3D screening technology at all six of its breast imaging locations across Northeast Florida, providing more points of access than any other local provider.

“Breast cancer screening is a strategic area of focus for us,” said Brett McClung, president and CEO of Baptist Health. “Breast health is at the intersection between two key service lines – women’s health and oncology – so it’s imperative for Baptist to take the lead in expanding access to the best screening technology throughout the entire community.”

Studies show that early detection of breast cancer is beneficial for patients. Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women, and the earlier the cancer is found, the better the outcomes. With a mammogram, physicians can find cancer before clinical symptoms appear.

3D mammography exams offer more accuracy in detection than traditional 2D mammography. For anyone with dense breasts, which is a higher amount of fibrous tissue occurring in 1 in 2 women, 3D mammography exams are particularly effective. When using 2D mammograms, it can be hard for radiologists to accurately identify cancer without additional views.

3D mammograms capture hundreds of images from multiple angles in a matter of seconds, providing layer-by-layer views that allow physicians to find up to 30% more breast cancers without requiring additional imaging studies. Use of this technology has been shown to decrease the rate of false positive readings.

The expansion of Hologic 3D technology is the latest enhancement in Baptist Health’s long-term commitment to providing advanced breast care through a dedicated team of mammography specialists, pathologists, nutritionists, genetic counselors, oncologists, surgeons, and care coordinators.

“Breast cancer can affect anyone, women and men alike,” said Beth-Ann Lesnikoski, MD, director of the Breast Program at Baptist MD Anderson. “That’s why we are expanding 3D screening mammography to all locations—because we want to make it easy for all patients to take charge of their health, in the location most convenient to them.”

“3D screening mammography is a powerful tool for improving outcomes through early detection,” said LeeAnn Mengel, vice president and administrator of Baptist MD Anderson. “Now, we’re making it as simple as possible to get your 3D screening, with expanded locations, same-day or same-week appointments, extended hours, and the same efficient delivery of results that has been used with our 2D screenings.”

Baptist Health will expand from offering 3D screening mammography exam appointments at Hill Breast Center (adjacent to Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center on the Baptist Jacksonville campus), Baptist Medical Center Beaches, Baptist Medical Center Nassau, and Baptist Medical Center South to include 3D mammography exams at Baptist Clay Medical Campus and Baptist North Medical Campus. With the addition of these two new locations, Baptist Health will have more 3D screening mammography exam locations than any other health system based in Northeast Florida.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Carolyn Tillo at 904-202-4995 or carolyn.tillo@bmcjax.com. To schedule a mammogram, please visit baptistjax.com/mammo or call 904.202.2222.