3D mammography in Artesia NM is available year-round at Artesia General Hospital — and that matters more than most women realize. Breast cancer doesn’t schedule itself around October. It doesn’t wait for pink ribbon season, awareness campaigns, or reminders from your inbox.
When detected early, the five-year survival rate for localized breast cancer is 99%. That number drops significantly the later a diagnosis comes. A mammogram scheduled in March saves just as many lives as one scheduled in October.
AGH offers the Genius™ 3D Mammography exam — the most accurate breast screening technology available — right here in Artesia. No drive to Albuquerque. No referral needed if you’re 40 or older. Just call and schedule.
| Up to 65% More Invasive Cancers Detected vs. 2D | Up to 40% Fewer False Positives & Callbacks | 99% 5-Year Survival Rate When Caught Early |
What Is 3D Mammography and Why Does It Matter?
Traditional 2D mammography takes flat X-ray images of the breast. The problem is that breast tissue overlaps in a 2D image — and that overlap can hide small cancers or make normal tissue look suspicious, triggering unnecessary callbacks.
3D mammography (technically called digital breast tomosynthesis) takes multiple images at different angles and assembles them into a layered, three-dimensional view. The radiologist can examine breast tissue one thin slice at a time — like turning pages in a book — rather than looking through all the tissue at once.
The result is a dramatically clearer picture. The Genius™ 3D Mammography system used at AGH is FDA-approved and has been shown in multiple peer-reviewed clinical studies to detect up to 65% more invasive cancers than 2D alone — with an average detection increase of 41%.
| What You Should Know About 3D Mammography at AGH No physician referral required for women age 40 and older Appointments available Monday–Friday, 7:30 am–5:00 pm The scan itself takes approximately 3.7 seconds. Total appointment time is typically 15 minutes Covered by most insurance plans as a preventive screening Brochure available in English and Spanish (también disponible en español) Schedule by calling 1-855-RAD-EXAM (1-855-723-3926) |
Why Breast Cancer Screening Can’t Be an October-Only Habit
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the surge in mammogram scheduling every fall is genuinely life-saving. But the flip side is a problem: too many women treat October as the one time to think about breast health, then put it off for another year.
The American Cancer Society recommends annual mammograms for women 45–54 and the option to start at 40. Women 55 and older can screen every two years if they prefer, but annual screening remains the strongest defense. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force updated its guidance in 2024 to recommend screening every other year starting at age 40.
The key word is annual — not seasonal. Some breast cancers grow quickly. A tumor that is microscopic and highly treatable in March can be a different story by the following October. Waiting 12 months is the recommendation. Waiting 18 or 24 because “October just passed” is a risk no woman in Artesia or Eddy County needs to take.
Women’s Health Month in March is the perfect reminder: if you haven’t had your mammogram yet this year, now is exactly the right time.
| Don’t Wait Until October Schedule your 3D mammography in Artesia NM today — no referral needed for women 40+. Call 1-855-RAD-EXAM (1-855-723-3926)Schedule Your Mammogram Online → |
3D Mammography and Dense Breasts: What SE New Mexico Women Need to Know
Nearly half of all women have dense breast tissue, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Dense tissue appears white on a mammogram — the same color as potential tumors. That overlap makes it significantly harder to detect cancer with 2D imaging alone.
The Genius™ 3D system is the only 3D mammography technology FDA-approved as superior for women with dense breasts compared to 2D alone. If you’ve been told you have dense breasts after a previous mammogram — or if you’ve never been told either way — this is the screening technology you should be getting.
Starting in September 2024, the FDA now requires all mammography centers to notify patients of their breast density. If your result comes back showing dense tissue, ask your provider about what additional screening options may be right for you.
3 Mammogram Myths That Keep Women From Screening
| ✗ MYTH I don’t need a mammogram — I have no family history of breast cancer. | ✓ TRUTH About 85% of breast cancers occur in women with no family history. All women face risk. Annual screening starting at 40 is the standard recommendation regardless of family history. |
| ✗ MYTH Mammograms are painful — I’ll skip it. | ✓ TRUTH The scan itself takes 3.7 seconds. Most women describe brief pressure, not pain. The discomfort of a mammogram is far smaller than the cost of a late diagnosis. |
| ✗ MYTH I’ll wait until October — Breast Cancer Awareness Month is the right time. | ✓ TRUTH Breast cancer doesn’t follow a calendar. Your anniversary date for annual screening is whenever you had your last one — not October. If it’s been 12 months, schedule now. |
What to Expect at Your 3D Mammogram at AGH
Getting your 3D mammography in Artesia NM at AGH is straightforward. The process is nearly identical to a traditional mammogram — just faster and more accurate.
When you arrive, a certified mammographer will position and compress each breast for imaging. The X-ray arm sweeps in a slight arc over the breast, capturing multiple images in seconds. A computer then assembles those images into layered slices that the radiologist reviews one at a time.
From check-in to walking out, most appointments take about 15 minutes. Results are read by board-certified radiologists and you’ll receive written results in clear, plain-language format within a few business days.
A few things to keep in mind before your appointment: skip the deodorant, powder, or lotion on your chest and underarms that day (they can show up on the image), and wear a two-piece outfit so you only need to remove your top.
Why AGH for 3D Mammography in Artesia NM?
AGH is the only facility in the region accredited by the American College of Radiology in all five imaging modalities — CT, Ultrasound, MRI, Nuclear Medicine, and Mammography. That accreditation means your mammogram is performed on equipment that meets the highest standards, interpreted by radiologists who specialize in breast imaging.
Diagnostic Imaging at AGH is directed by Roy Thomas, MHA, RT(RT)(CT), whose team has built one of the most comprehensive imaging programs in southeast New Mexico. Learn more about the full range of women’s health services at AGH, including how 3D mammography fits into a complete preventive care plan.
AGH scores 91 out of 100 on CMS patient satisfaction — ahead of Carlsbad Medical Center (84) and Eastern NM Medical Center Roswell (81). Three out of four inpatient survey respondents give AGH a perfect 10. That culture of care extends to every imaging appointment.
For women in Carlsbad, Roswell, and across the Pecos Valley who have been driving hours for specialist imaging — that drive is no longer necessary. AGH brings this standard of care to Artesia.
| ¿Habla español? / Spanish-Language Note Las mamografías 3D están disponibles en Artesia General Hospital durante todo el año, no solo en octubre.No se necesita referencia médica para mujeres mayores de 40 años.Para programar su mamografía, llame al 1-855-RAD-EXAM (1-855-723-3926).El folleto “What to Expect” también está disponible en español. |
The Bottom Line: Schedule Your 3D Mammography in Artesia NM Today
Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in American women. Early detection is the single most powerful factor in survival outcomes. And the most accurate early detection tool available — 3D mammography — is right here in Artesia, available every weekday, no referral required.
Don’t let October be the only month you think about breast health. Women’s Health Month in March is your reminder that this year’s mammogram doesn’t have to wait.
Call 1-855-RAD-EXAM or visit the AGH women’s health page to schedule your Genius™ 3D mammography appointment at Artesia General Hospital.
| Schedule Your 3D Mammography at AGH Artesia General Hospital | 702 N. 13th St., Artesia, NM | Mon–Fri, 7:30 am–5:00 pm Call 1-855-RAD-EXAM (1-855-723-3926) Schedule Your Mammogram Online → |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AGH offer 3D mammography in Artesia NM?
Yes. Artesia General Hospital offers the Genius™ 3D Mammography exam, the most accurate breast cancer screening technology available. Appointments are available Monday–Friday, 7:30 am–5:00 pm. No physician referral is required for women 40 and older.
How do I schedule a mammogram at Artesia General Hospital?
Call 1-855-RAD-EXAM (1-855-723-3926) or request an appointment online at artesiageneral.com/service/womens-health/. No referral is needed for women age 40 and older for a screening mammogram.
What is the difference between 3D and 2D mammography?
2D mammography takes flat X-ray images of the breast. Overlapping tissue can hide small cancers or create false positives. 3D mammography (digital breast tomosynthesis) takes multiple images at different angles, allowing the radiologist to examine breast tissue layer by layer. The Genius™ 3D system detects up to 65% more invasive cancers than 2D alone and reduces unnecessary callbacks by up to 40%.
Is 3D mammography better for women with dense breasts?
Yes. The Genius™ 3D Mammography system is the only technology FDA-approved as superior for women with dense breasts compared to 2D alone. Nearly half of all women have dense breast tissue, which makes 3D mammography particularly important for accurate screening.
Why should I get a mammogram now instead of waiting until October?
Breast cancer doesn’t follow a seasonal calendar. Annual mammograms are recommended starting at age 40, meaning your screening anniversary is every 12 months — not every October. Delaying a mammogram because “October just passed” can mean a 12–18 month gap in screening. Women’s Health Month in March is an ideal time to schedule your annual mammogram if you haven’t yet.
Does AGH serve patients from Carlsbad and Roswell for mammograms?
Yes. Many women from Carlsbad, Roswell, and across the Pecos Valley come to AGH in Artesia for 3D mammography. AGH is the only facility in the region accredited by the American College of Radiology in all five imaging modalities, including mammography.
| Medical Disclaimer This content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding your breast health or mammography screening. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. Artesia General Hospital | 702 N. 13th St., Artesia, NM 88210 | (575) 748-3333 |
Clinical review — Roy Thomas, MHA, RT(RT)(CT), Director of Diagnostic Imaging