Right, what straigtlover said about the extra copay, and I hope you are doing well, too.

I don't have a personal or family history and my yearly mammo's have been routine. However, last year I was called back and was really freaked out about it. They took other films and the radiologist did an ultrasound, so I asked her if i need the 3D on follow-ups. Since my breasts are <25% dense, she said I do not need the 3D. I have a friend who gets the 3D because she has dense breasts. The MRI is also recommended for dense breasts.

I am in my 40s. I have had the 3d one for the past two years bc the radiologist and dr said I had "dense" breast tissue (whatever that means, lol) and the 3d is particularly good for that. I will say, the 3d mamma is a bit more uncomfortable than a regular one. It takes a bit longer & you have to hold your breath in position. Obviously not a reason not to do it...just wanted to give accurate info.

And yes, I just pay the difference.

nini804, I have the same results - 'dense breast tissue" but my doctor or radiologist never mentioned anything about 3D mammo. I have my physical scheduled in two weeks, I'll be sure to mention that. Yikes! The regular mammo hurts a lot, and 3D hurts more?!

I got the impression that the doctor wanted me to add the 3D and have it done 6 months from now. So that would become 3 tests total.

I see my Gyn in the spring and will discuss it with her.

I would not hesitate to take advantage of the new technology. Last week I had my annual mammogram. Several years ago I had a steriotactic biopsy and have a metal tag in that area of the breast. At the time that type of biopsy was new.

Rich69b, please don't let fear influence your decision.

If you have dense breasts, your insurance may pay if it's "medically necessary". I've had both and the amount of pain really depends on the technician's handling and skill. I've had many regular ones and my 3D was the least painful:)

In today's mail I received the written report from my annual mammogram. At the bottom of the letter was a box of information from:

American College of Radiology, Society of Breast Imaging, American College of Ob&Gyn, Nat'l Comp Care Network: Guideline for Early Breast Cancer Detection for Women of Average Risk:

Last on the list (below yearly mammogram, clinical breast exam, self exam) was:

Breast MRI: Some women, because of their family history, a genetic tendency, or certain other factors, should be screened with MRI in addition to mammography. (The number of women who fall into this category is small: less than 2% of all women in the US.) Talk with your doctor about your history and whether you should have additional tests at an earlier age.

Just last year I was told I have dense tissue so from then on, I need to have 3D. I pay what insurance doesn't cover. It does hurt a bit more, but isn't terrible using my doctors suggested method: about an hour before, take 800mg ibuprofen and drink some caffeine/sugar. She originally recommended a can of full sugar coke, but i have a hard time choking that down, so I get a small coffee, something like a Starbucks cafe mocha, which has both caffeine and sugar.

Thanks for all your replies.

I think I will talk to my Gyn in the spring and see if I should replace the regular MRI with the 3D.

I am also not sure why the radiology doctor said to do the 3D in the spring which would be in addition to the MRI and sonogram I already took last week.