Sidney Health Center is proud to announce the availability of advanced 3D Mammography™ technology in its center. With the addition of 3D Mammography™ technology, Sidney Health Center reaffirms its commitment to providing local patients with the most advanced diagnostic tools available. This innovative technology represents a significant advancement in breast cancer detection and patient care within our community.
Utilizing advanced breast tomosynthesis technology, 3D Mammography™ exams are clinically proven to significantly increase the detection of breast cancers while decreasing the number of women asked to return for additional testing. This can mean an earlier diagnosis and a greater variety of treatment options available to the patient.
“This new technology marks a significant milestone in our commitment to our community's health,” stated Marshall Donahue, Imaging Director. “By enhancing our capabilities for early breast cancer detection, we're reinforcing our dedication to providing superior care to patients.”
In addition to improved accuracy, the system offers fast, comfortable scans. With the industry’s fastest 3D scan time at just 3.7 seconds, patients experience reduced compression time and fewer motion-related retakes, making the exam more efficient and comfortable.
Nearly 50% of women over 40 have dense breast tissue, which can hide early signs of cancer in a traditional mammogram. Unlike conventional 2D mammography, where overlapping tissue can obscure small breast cancers and lead to unnecessary callbacks, the Hologic 3D Mammography™ exam utilizes a three-dimensional imaging method that can greatly reduce the tissue overlap effect. The Hologic 3D Mammography™ exam, available on the 3Dimensions™ Mammography System, provides a better option for women of all breast densities compared to 2D alone. Moreover, the Hologic 3D Mammography™ exam is the only mammogram proven to be superior in women with dense breasts.
In fiscal year 2025, Sidney Health Center Imaging Services performed 1,380 screening mammograms, underscoring the vital role this service plays in early detection for women in the MonDak region. The purchase of this new device was made possible through generous donations to the Foundation for Community Care, with partial funding from the Foundation’s 2025 grants designated for the mammography machine. Through its 2025 grant cycle, the Foundation awarded $240,000 to Sidney Health Center departments, including $105,000 to the Imaging Department to help purchase the new mammography machine—covering 28% of the total cost. These community contributions play a critical role in ensuring access to advanced technology close to home.
In offering 3D Mammography™ technology, Sidney Health Center takes a proactive step towards enhancing the quality of breast cancer screening in our community. Our mammography team offers mammography services five days a week. If you are 40 years or older, you can schedule a screening mammogram without a referral by calling the Sidney Health Center outpatient coordinator at 406-488-2195.
To make screening even more convenient, extended evening hours will be offered on October 6, 10, 15, 20, 22, 24, 27 and 29, with appointments available until 7:00 PM.
About Hologic 3D Mammography™ Exams
The breast is a three-dimensional object composed of different structures located at different heights within the breast. These structures can overlap and cause confusion when viewed as a flat two-dimensional image. This confusion of overlapping of tissue is a leading reason why small breast cancers may be missed and normal tissue may appear abnormal, leading to unnecessary callbacks. Using breast tomosynthesis technology, the Hologic system creates a 3-dimensional image of the breast structure, which enables radiologists to more clearly see through overlapping tissue to detect cancers, often at an earlier stage.
The Hologic system is the first FDA approved breast tomosynthesis system in the U.S. Medicare and Medicare Advantage, Medicaid in some states, and most private health plans cover the full cost of an annual 3D Mammography™ exam.
About Sidney Health Center Imaging Services
At Sidney Health Center our dedicated Radiology Team, comprised of experienced radiologists and technologists, utilizes state-of-the-art technology to produce high-quality digital images across a range of modalities including CT, MRI, Mammography, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound, Bone Densitometry, Diagnostic Radiography and PET CT. Our commitment to excellence ensures accurate diagnostics and compassionate care for our patients. Visit our website at SidneyHealth.org to learn more.