New, state-of-the-art mammography tech is improving imaging while increasing comfort for patients at Ohio State OSUCCC – James breast cancer experts recently began using new Clarity HD Imaging Technology — another step forward in the effort to make mammograms more effective and patient friendly. “ Clarity HD is the newest generation of 3D tomosynthesis, and we use it at every one of our 14 sites,” said Natasha Monga, MD, a breast imaging radiologist. Tomosynthesis — also known as a 3D mammogram — involves multiple low-dose x-rays acquired in arcs, resulting in reconstructed images that enable doctors to view patients’ breasts as single images. “This imaging is clearer and generates better pictures for us so that we can better identify the findings that we see on the mammogram,” Monga says Monga shares more details about Clarity HD mammograms on our Cancer-Free World Podcast. Watch on the video player above, or listen via SoundCloud. Clarity HD provides even better results than previous tomosynthesis-enabled mammograms due to AI algorithms that optimize images as they’re delivered to radiologists. “It helps us characterize masses better,” Monga says. “It has two times the resolution — it really is the latest and greatest in our imaging technology.” Click to learn more about mammography services at the OSUCCC – James Clarity HD’s benefits extend beyond imaging to include the actual mammogram procedure, utilizing a smart curve technology that makes the screening more comfortable for patients. “Previous paddles were straighter and didn't form around the natural curvature of the breasts,” Monga says. “These paddles are now all curved, and that really improves comfort.” Reducing the discomfort of mammograms is increasingly important as doctors work to increase the number of women who regularly undergo the life-saving procedures. “Mammography has reduced breast cancer deaths by 30 to 50 percent,” Monga says. “It's the only screening tool that's known to reduce that rate. We recommend mammograms every year starting at age 40 to really improve the likelihood of detecting breast cancer early.” In addition to improvements to the mammogram itself, Ohio State breast cancer experts are working to increase access to the procedures through multiple locations and a mobile unit that travels to underserved areas. “You're doing the right thing by getting imaging,” Monga says. “We want to catch these things early — when we do, we have a better likelihood of success.” Click to learn more about breast cancer, including risks, symptoms and treatment options at The Ohio State University.