Both can be true.
Definitely gives a clearer picture. This may result in fewer callbacks in some cases, because they can get this clearer view the first time.
But it won't eliminate callbacks because you may need magnification, an ultrasound, or some other way to take a closer look.

A relative used to be an ultrasound technologist and do breast ultrasounds. She's been in the field 20+ years and said the technology has improved so much - based on her experience working with radiologists, she highly recommended that I get the 3D mammogram. I am now a BC survivor, and my radiation oncologist said the same thing. Better imaging up front can detect problems earlier, and can also help avoid unnecessary callbacks.

I was just recently called back after a 3D mammogram because of some new calcifications in the left breast. I was upset because this was a 3D, and I was under the impression that there were fewer call backs, so I though to myself they had definitely found something. Needless to say, I went in this morning and had more magnified views of the area and everything was fine. I hope this post calms some nerves.......

I just had a 3d on friday and am goung in for a callback today. I'm. 54 and have had an annual mammogram since 40. This is my fourth callback. I never had a biopsy so I hope everything turns out ok. Sending positive energy to you.

I'm sorry you have to go through the dreaded callback it's incredibly stressful and I've been through it a few times and had three biopsies, all benign. Please just remember that at least 80% of what they biopsy is benign and that most callbacks don't even result in a biopsy so the odds are very much with you no matter what. Sending good thoughts your way.

I am reviving this old thread b/c this just happened to me. I opented for the 3D view on Friday when I went in for my mammo (age 39) and now just found out I have to go in for a repeat. I am a little worried, I admit, but I hope it's just b/c I have relatively "young" dense breasts and b/c the 3D thing gave me a false positive (or maybe I moved a bit? I don't know). Sigh. I am able to get in tomorrow morning at 8:30, so at least I am getting in there quickly, but still, I of course would have preferred to get an "all clear"!!! EEEEEEEEEK!!!! Would love any positive stories to help settle my mind. Thank you.

I think I will advise my sister regarding this one, she is asking me about this one so I research and found this. thank you all for providing me this info.

I also had the 3D at WRA, since I had heard there were fewer callbacks. I also received a callback anyway. My GYN said that even with the 3-D view, the angle might not permit the technician to get a good read. My issue turned out to be a milk cyst (It was done about 7 months after I'd finished breast feeding).

Anonymous wrote:What is the cost? Do they give you the option or do they insist that you do it (I'm assuming the former from OP's comments)?

New poster here...as I recall, it was $50 more, which insurance doesn't cover. It is completely optional. I opted for it, since I have dense tissue.

I just did it.

They do give you the option, but they really ought to mention it when you make the appointment, not when you check in. I spent the waiting time looking it up.

It does generate fewe callbacks generally speaking, and gives radiologists a clearer picture.

What is the cost? Do they give you the option or do they insist that you do it (I'm assuming the former from OP's comments)?

NP here. Thank you for posting this. I am due for my mammogram soon and had not heard about the 3D option.

Does anyone else have experience or know much about whether the 3D is worth it? I found reports that the radiation is increased anywhere from "slightly" to double.

Thank you both. I got the callback while away and do cannot follow up for a couple of weeks. I'll not stress about it Now since I can't do anything about it and your stories make me feel better about it while I wait to get back to town and go in.

I also opted for the 3D at WRA because my GYN said it really is a good technology with good views that would result in fewer callbacks. She felt confident that insurance would cover it in a few years. I was called back but they made it clear that it was a technical callback -- there was "movement" -- so at least I wasn't worried. But, it was a hassle to go back for sure and I found it ironic that I had paid for this fancy technology in part because it would generate fewer callbacks. Good luck to you. I hope it is nothing.

I had the same experience with the new 3D mammogram at WRA a few months ago. I was called back, was unable to get an appt. for several weeks and was very stressed out. It was nothing but my Gyn says he's seeing a lot of callbacks on these that have turned out to be nothing. Good-luck.

I went to WRA for a mammogram (it had been 2 1/2 years) and there was an optional 3Dview. I chose to do it (paid out of pocket) even though I had not done any research into it. I chose digital about 7-8 years ago before it became the standard and I reasoned this was probably the same and only involved one extra picture.
Well now I have been called in for follow up, and realize I wish they had told me about the option before my appointment so I was prepared to make an educated choice about wanting the 3D or not. I'm wondering if it's common to have false positives since this is new. Or if it really is better at finding true problems.
Have any of you done the optional 3D view and did you get called back for follow up? Has anyone looked into the 3D and have info to share about it?
TIA