According to the World Health Organization, breast cancer is the most common cancer in the Philippines, ranking first among women and across all cancer cases nationwide.
This is why early detection is strongly emphasized as it remains the most effective step in beating the condition. The sooner cancer is identified, the greater the chances for successful treatment.
Traditional 2D mammography has long been used for breast cancer screening, but it has limits—especially for women with dense breast tissue. To improve detection, newer technology like 3D mammography (Digital Breast Tomosynthesis or DBT) was developed.
What Is 3D Mammography (DBT)?
3D mammography is a type of digital breast imaging that takes multiple X-ray images of the breast from different angles. These images are then reconstructed into a 3D layered view, allowing radiologists to examine breast tissue in thin “slices.”
This helps eliminate the problem of overlapping tissue, which is common in 2D mammograms.
Advantages of 3D Mammography
1. Improved Cancer Detection
One of the strongest reasons why 3D mammography is better is its higher detection rate. Studies show that DBT may have a higher cancer detection rate and lower recall than 2D mammography.
- Finding smaller cancers earlier improves treatment outcomes.
- Improved accuracy reduces missed cases.
- Detecting invasive cancers earlier leads to less aggressive treatments.
2. Fewer Callbacks
A common frustration for women is being called back after a mammogram for additional tests. These callbacks can cause stress and cost.
- Reduced recall rate: 3D mammography lowers callbacks by up to 40%.
- Lower false positives: Fewer unnecessary biopsies or tests.
- Decreased need for additional imaging saves time and money.
3. Better for Dense Breasts
Dense breast tissue can make it difficult to spot abnormalities on 2D mammograms. Since both dense tissue and tumors appear white, cancers may be hidden. 3D mammography solves this problem by creating layered images. This provides clearer images for dense breasts, making it easier to spot abnormalities.
Who Should Get a 3D Mammogram?
While 3D mammography is beneficial for all women, it is especially recommended for:
- Women with dense breast tissue.
- Women with a family history of breast cancer.
- Women who have had frequent callbacks from 2D mammograms.
- Women in the recommended screening age group (40–79 years).
Get your Mammography 3D at Shinagawa Diagnostic
Given the alarming prevalence of breast cancer in the Philippines—and the fact that many women remain unaware of their condition—it is crucial that essential services like 3D mammography are not only accessible but also held to the highest standards of quality.
With Shinagawa Diagnostic’s Mammography 3D, patients can benefit from advanced technology and expert guidance rooted in Japanese healthcare standards, ensuring precise results for timely awareness and effective management.
To further strengthen accuracy, every result undergoes a double-reading process, providing valuable insights from both Filipino doctors and Japanese medical experts, ultimately supporting earlier detection and better prevention.
Citations and Resources
Shinagawa Diagnostic & Preventive Care is committed to delivering accurate, reliable, and up-to-date health information. All content published on our platform is grounded in evidence-based research and reviewed by qualified professionals where applicable.
To support our articles, we reference authoritative sources such as peer-reviewed medical journals, official health organizations (e.g., World Health Organization, Department of Health Philippines), and expert guidelines. Where appropriate, we also include data from trusted research institutions and clinical studies.
Our goal is to provide well-researched content that empowers you to make informed choices about your health, diagnostics, and preventive care.
Resources Used in This Article
- Department of Health. “Breast Cancer, https://caro.doh.gov.ph/breast-cancer/”
- PubMed. “Comparative Effectiveness of Digital Breast Tomosynthesis for Breast Cancer Screening Among Women 40-64 Years Old, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8757313/”
- Iowa Radiology. “3-D Mammography Can Improve Detection and Callback Rates, https://www.iowaradiology.com/3-d-mammography-can-improve-detection-and-callback-rates/#:~:text=What%20this%20means%20for%20mammography,Getting%20a%203%2DD%20Mammogram”
- Touch Stone. “Why do people think 3D mammograms are less painful?, https://www.touchstoneimaging.com/why-do-people-think-3d-mammograms-are-less-painful/#:~:text=Is%20the%20compression%20of%20a,comfort%20level%20during%20any%20mammogram?”
- Center for Disease Control. “Screening for Breast Cancer, https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/screening/index.html#:~:text=Breast%20cancer%20screening%20can%20help,a%20mammogram%20every%202%20years.”