Study: 3-D mammograms detect tumors better

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A promising development in the fight against breast cancer: A new study finds that 3-D mammograms may be more effective than a standard mammogram. The study, which looked at nearly half a million breast scans, found that going high-tech with a mammogram means higher detection for breast cancer.

A new dimension for detecting breast cancer: researchers say 3-D mammograms spot tumors better than the conventional exams.

"We found invasive cancers we worry about that could kill more frequently in women who had 3-D mammogram versus 2-D mammogram," said Dr. Sarah Friedwald, a co-author of the study.

While typical mammograms take one single crowded image, 3-D mammograms take multiple rapid-fire pictures, like turning pages in a book, identifying tumors that could have been missed.

The study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association finds they increase early detection by 29 percentand decrease the number of false positives, sending fewer women back for unnecessary tests and biopsies.

"Anything we can do to pick up cancers that are smaller and at an earlier stage is a huge improvement," said Dr. Elisa Port, chief of breast surgery at The Mount Sinai Hospital.

The machines do emit more radiation.

The 3-D scans do have some drawbacks, including higher costs, less insurance coverage and more radiation. And in the end, the study didn't answer one key question: whether the 3-D technology saves lives. The study only found only that the 3-D scans are better at finding cancer.