Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center’s mobile mammography unit has returned to town after receiving a major makeover and now offers 3-dimensional breast imaging technology.

“We are eager to have this mobile mammography unit back in service, as it’s a critical way that we can serve the community,” Connie Phelps, RN, director of Piedmont Athens Regional’s Breast Health Center, said. “The new 3-demensional imaging unit decreases the number of false positive diagnoses and increases the ability for early detection of breast cancer. This is the absolute best technology available.” 

The mobile mammography unit, which was first purchased in 2004 through Piedmont Athens Regional’s employee giving program, provides an efficient method of breast screening to the community, as an addition to hospital based facilities, by bringing the screenings right to you.

The new technology added to the unit allows doctors to examine the breast tissue one layer at a time, building what is essentially a 3-dimensional mammogram. Ultimately, this results in a better image of the breast interior and improves the chances of early detection. The technology isn’t the only thing that’s new to the unit, however. A bright pink coat of paint has been added to the unit’s exterior, helping to raise awareness for breast cancer.  

According to the American Cancer Society, about one in eight women (12%) will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. Over 252,710 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in 2017. Survival rates, however, have continued to increase due to early detection, increased awareness and improved treatment options. At this time, there are more than 3.1 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

“We want to continue to help women by detecting earlier and saving lives,” Phelps said. “As the only fully accredited breast health center in our area, we offer multiple ways for women in Athens and the surrounding counties to access excellence in mammography.