3-D Mammography: A Powerful Tool for Early Breast Cancer Detection

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 321,910 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2026. Overall, about 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer during their lifetime.

One of the most important tools for detecting breast cancer early is a routine mammogram. Early breast cancer often does not cause noticeable symptoms, which is why regular screening is so important. Mammography can identify breast abnormalities and cancers that are too small to be felt, allowing treatment to begin earlier.

The American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging recommend that women at average risk begin annual mammography at age 40. Women with a higher risk of breast cancer may need to begin screening earlier or have additional screening. Talk with your healthcare provider about the screening schedule that is right for you based on your personal and family history.

Advanced 3-D Mammography at Butler County Health
Butler County Health offers 3-D mammography, also known as digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), providing an advanced option for breast cancer screening close to home.  A mammogram uses a low-dose X-ray to create images of the breast. During a 3-D mammogram, multiple images are taken from different angles and combined to create detailed, three-dimensional views of breast tissue. This allows radiologists to examine the breast layer by layer and may make it easier to identify abnormalities that can be difficult to see when breast tissue overlaps on traditional 2-D images.

This can be especially helpful when evaluating dense breast tissue. Dense breast tissue can make some cancers more difficult to detect on a mammogram and is also a risk factor for developing breast cancer.

Mammography does require compression of the breast, which helps spread the breast tissue and produce high-quality images. Butler County Health's radiology team works to make the experience as comfortable as possible while obtaining the images needed for an accurate examination.

Don't Wait for a Lump or Symptoms
A common misconception is that women only need a mammogram if they notice a change in their breast. However, screening mammograms are designed for women who do not have symptoms and can detect cancer before it can be felt.  Women should also be familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel and should contact their healthcare provider if they notice a new lump, thickening, nipple discharge, changes in the skin or nipple, or another unusual change—even if they recently had a normal mammogram.

Routine screening is one of the best steps women can take to protect their breast health. Early detection can make breast cancer easier to treat and has contributed to significant improvements in breast cancer survival. Talk with your healthcare provider about when screening is right for you or call Butler County Health Radiology Department for more information on 3-D mammography screening.

 

The Parkinson's Empowerment Group at Butler County Health targets so many aspects and symptoms of Parkinson’s. It improves a person’s posture, mobility, balance, and coordination, as well as cognition and ability to multi-task. I also like the flexibility of the program and being able to adjust exercises from each position to fit the need of each individual patient.  

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Butler County Health has felt like home to me from the beginning of my employment.  I have spent more than 5 years working in an environment that has challenged me to pursue my nursing skills in many different areas such as the Emergency Department, Obstetrics, Inpatient Care, Outpatient Care and as Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Coordinator.

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Jennifer Prothman

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Stacey Bykerk

I feel having a 3D mammogram was a blessing for me since it detected my Stage 1 cancer.  The technicians were very helpful as they explained how the machine worked compared to the 2D method.  A big difference is that the 3D machines moves above your head from one size to another and gives a more complete image of the breast.  The testing time also seemed shorter than the standard mammogram.

Judy Dubs

I had a bunion on my foot and I wanted it removed,  but I really didn't want to travel too far to have the procedure done.  So when Butler County Health started providing Podiatry Services, I made an appointment right away.  Dr. Carlston is professional and personable.  He took the time to explain what happens during the procedure and afterwards.

Jill Pokorny

Being able to have my blood drawn at Butler County Health saves me a weekly trip to Omaha.  It is simple to schedule an appointment that works with my schedule and the staff is quick and efficient at drawing my blood samples.

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