CARRINGTON, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and CHI St. Alexius Health in Carrington is encouraging men and women to learn more about the advances in breast screening technology.

Nicole Threadgold, Marketing Coordinator and Foundation Director for CHI St. Alexius Health, says there have been great advances in technology for screenings, such as 3D mammography.

Threadgold says the “fine details” are visible and less likely to be hidden by overlapping tissue. She says there is no additional compression required for this. Threadgold added that with these advances, there is earlier and easier detections of abnormalities in breast tissue.

In past screenings, Threadgold says if a radiologist saw an area that was questionable, a lot of times it was due to overlapping tissue and the patient would be asked to return for additional imaging. With 3D mammography, a “second look” may not be necessary.

A majority of insurances are covering the costs of 3D mammograms, but Threadgold says they suggest patients call their insurance providers and see if they cover the cost. She says the age women should begin getting a mammogram is 40 years-old.

Threadgold added that the key to stopping any breast cancer is early detection, which has become easier with the newer technology. If you have questions or want to schedule an appointment, call 701-652-7151.

Listen to a full interview with Nicole Threadgold below: