Efforts are underway to bring 3D mammography, the latest advancement in breast cancer screening, to River Hospital’s Radiology Department. All proceeds from River Hospital’s upcoming Ladies Night Out event will support this effort, which consists of purchasing software upgrades for existing equipment and training, and is expected to cost approximately $140,000.

3D mammography produces a three dimensional image of the breast, providing doctors with a clearer view through overlapping breast tissue. The results are a more detailed picture making breast abnormalities easier to see, even in dense tissue. Benefits of 3D mammography include easier and earlier detection of breast cancer, fewer callbacks, better visualization of a potential abnormality and more comprehensive care as it screens the whole breast, not just the problem area. 3D mammography finds 41% more invasive cancers than 2D imaging alone, and results in 20-40% fewer call backs for additional imaging.

River Hospital’s Radiologic Technologist Monique Skelly will be speaking at the event, sharing her knowledge of the benefits of 3D mammography, and her experience and enthusiasm for bringing this improved technology to our community. Ms. Skelly has been with River Hospital since 2010, and has a passion for educating women and helping with early detection of breast cancer.

Ladies Night Out will be held from 5-7pm on Wednesday, May 10th at Cavallario’s Steak House in Alexandria Bay. It is an evening in the company of amazing women, with shopping, great food, live music, door prizes and a silent auction. Admission is $15 and all proceeds will support bringing 3D Mammography to River Hospital. For more information on Ladies Night Out or how you can help bring 3D mammography to River Hospital, contact Stephanie Weiss at River Hospital’s Development Department at 315.482.4976 or visit www.riverhospital.org.