SimonMed Imaging is helping women throughout Arizona receive the essential screenings to monitor and understand their health. SimonMed offers expert imaging in more than ten specialty screenings, of which mammography and breast ultrasound are an integral focus.

In Arizona, breast cancer is the leading form of cancer among women. In 2019, an estimated 2,800 women will be diagnosed, and more than 80 percent of the women who should have an annual mammography exam won’t because they are unable to find a mammography facility that is conveniently located.

SimonMed’s partnership with MOM (Mobile Onsite Mammography) is increasing accessibility and affordability of women’s breast screenings. The MOM mobile mammography bus provides the same 3D mammography technology found in SimonMed clinics.

3D mammography is one of the most advanced and powerful breast screening technologies available. Like traditional mammography, 3D mammography uses x-rays to take images of the breast. Differing from traditional mammography, 3D mammography captures more images of the breast, from multiple angles, and is more effective for dense breasts.

Cancer is four to six times more likely in women with extremely dense breasts. More than 40 percent of women, age 40 and over, have dense breasts.

Breast density can fall into one of four different categories:
A: breasts are very fatty and have almost no dense tissue.
B: breasts have scattered areas of density, but the majority of the tissue is non-dense.
C: majority of the breast tissue is dense but there are some areas of non-dense, fatty tissue.
D: nearly all of the breast tissue is dense.

Whole breast ultrasound is the ideal imaging choice for women with dense breast tissue. Breasts that are within the category C or category D are considered dense. SimonMed Breast Ultrasound finds seven more cancers than 2D Mammograms and three more cancers than 3D Mammograms.

When combined with 3D mammography, whole breast ultrasounds help radiologists provide more accurate and reliable diagnoses. And, because whole breast ultrasound uses sound waves to capture images of the breast, there is no risk for radiation exposure.

Breast screening recommendations suggest receiving yearly mammograms as early as 40 years old. SimonMed suggests starting screening at age 35 to truly understand the lumps and bumps of your breasts. Women should become familiar with the shape and feeling of their breasts by doing self-exams in the shower once a month. This familiarity will help determine whether changes in the breast tissue are normal or if it is something that requires professional examination.

Women often put their health on the backburner, focusing on their career, responsibilities and loved ones more than themselves, but making time for your mammogram is not something to push down the to-do list. Instead, call 480-967-3767 to schedule your mammogram with MOM or visit https://mobileonsitemammography.com/upcoming-screening-locations to find upcoming screening locations near you.

About SimonMed: SimonMed Imaging is one of the largest outpatient medical imaging providers and largest physician radiology practices in the United States. We specialize in using the newest diagnostic imaging technologies and bringing them to the community in an affordable and accessible way.