[ October 20, 2020 ] October is a month of vibrant color. The leaves start to change and the sky can be so blue. But there?s another color associated with October: Pink, the color that represents Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month offers the opportunity to remind women to schedule their mammograms and to educate and spread awareness about breast cancer in our communities. Early detection saves lives. Finding breast cancer early, often before there are any symptoms, improves the chance of survival. Mammograms are key to early diagnosis, but there?s more than one type.

?There are two types of screening mammograms ? 2D and 3D,? said Sanjay Serrao, M.D., a physician with Piedmont Mountainside Internal Medicine. ?2D is the traditional digital mammogram that provides a two-dimensional image of the breast, while 3D breast tomosynthesis produces a three-dimensional picture of the breast tissue in one millimeter layers.?

Both types of mammogram are available at Piedmont Mountainside, and the process for each is very similar. Women getting a 3D mammogram will have more images taken, while a 2D mammogram requires fewer images. Because there are fewer images with the 2D mammogram, the picture can look hazy.

?3D mammograms offer a clearer picture, and are especially recommended for women with dense breast tissue,? said Dr. Serrao. ?Studies have shown that 3D mammograms reduce the chance of being called back for follow-up testing.?

Dr. Serrao says it?s important for women to discuss which type of mammogram is best for them with their physician. ?The important message is for women to have an annual mammogram, starting at age 40 for women of average risk,? he said. ?Both types of mammogram offer early detection for asymptomatic women and help save lives.?

To schedule an appointment for a mammogram at Piedmont Mountainside Hospital or one of Piedmont Mountainside?s imaging centers, visit www.piedmont.org/mammo.