Marion General Hospital Debuts New 3D Mammography ™ Technology
COLUMBIA, Miss. – (May 29, 2025) Marion General Hospital is proud to announce the addition of mammography services to patients in Columbia and the surrounding area. The debut of advanced 3D Mammography™ technology reaffirms Marion General Hospital’s 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 the medical 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,” said Tomaz McCarty, administrator. “By enhancing our capabilities for early breast cancer detection, we're reinforcing our dedication to providing superior care to our patients and fulfilling Forrest Health’s mission to do what is best for the patient.”
Women will see little difference between a conventional 2D mammogram and a 3D mammogram™. The exam takes about the same amount of time – a 3.7 second scan time – and the positioning is the same. The real difference is in the information available to the doctor.
According to McCarty, the new equipment is scheduled to be installed the first week of March with trained mammography technicians seeing patients beginning March 12.
Nearly 50% of women over the age of 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 offering 3D Mammography™ technology, Marion General takes a proactive step towards enhancing the quality of breast cancer screening in our community. Patients interested in scheduling a 3D Mammography™ exam will need a referral from their physician. For more information, call 601-740-2170.
ABOUT FORREST HEALTH
Forrest Health is a system of healthcare organizations formed to increase access to quality health care in south Mississippi. Forrest General Hospital is its flagship hospital. In addition to Forrest General, Forrest Health hospitals include: Highland Community Hospital, Picayune; Jefferson Davis Community Hospital & Extended Care Facility, Prentiss; Marion General Hospital, Columbia; Pearl River County Hospital & Nursing Home, Poplarville; Perry County General Hospital, Richton; and Walthall General Hospital, Tylertown. Forrest Health is also home to The Orthopedic Institute and Institute of Neuroscience, both in Hattiesburg, as well as a variety of healthcare clinics throughout its 19-county coverage area.
