WEST POINT-- At North Mississippi Medical Center-West Point, we know that seeing even the smallest change in a mammogram is key to making a difference in a patient’s life. That’s why we invested in 3-D mammography technology– to detect breast cancer early, when it is most treatable.

As of Oct. 1, the North Mississippi Health Services hospitals in Amory, Eupora, Iuka, Tupelo, Pontotoc and West Point, Mississippi, all offer 3-D mammography. The technology is also coming soon to the Hamilton, Alabama, hospital. This new technology, along with annual screenings, will give patients across north Mississippi and northwest Alabama their best chance to find cancer earlier.

“I am very proud of the improvements we have made at NMMC-West Point,” said Helen Reeves, director of the Radiology and Cardiac Rehabilitation departments. “We upgraded to a 3-D mammography unit in 2019 and it has made a world of difference to our patients.”

At NMMC-West Point mammogram screenings take place inside the Kitty Bryan Dill Breast Care Suite. The suite is dedicated in memory of the late Kitty Bryan Dill, who died of breast cancer at age 48.

The suite features 3-D technology that produces exceptionally sharp images to help find breast cancers earlier, see lesions more clearly and reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies.

Women over age 40 are encouraged to have a screening mammogram every year. A screening mammogram is for those who do not have a specific breast concern or symptom, such as a lump. If you have a lump or other concern, your provider will recommend diagnostic testing.

Pain and discomfort are top reasons why women skip mammograms. This new technology is tailored to the structure of each woman’s breast, so we can deliver a better patient experience with less compression. These new 3-D mammography machines can measure breast density right at the workstation and assess risk before a person leaves the exam.

NMHS is connecting area women to self-scheduled 3-D screening mammograms at the time and location that is most convenient to them.

For more information or to schedule a 3-D screening mammogram, call (662) 377-6655 or 1-866-912-1486.