Health: 3-D Mammography

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - There is now breakthrough technology that could revolutionize how breast cancer is detected, but some are questioning its safety.

Mammograms are now available in 3-D. The new technology is supposed to provide doctors with a clearer picture for better detection, and prevent some patients from undergoing unnecessary testing.

Laura Lang, 55, is being screened for breast cancer. She's already survived it once.

"I was diagnosed back in 2006 and had a regular mammogram, which wasn't actually strong enough to completely diagnose it, and I had to be retested," said Laura.

Now she's turning to a newly FDA approved 3-D Mammogram.

"What it means is now we have the ability to not only just look at the breast, but actually look through and around structures we weren't able to see before," said Dr. Elizabeth Rafferty, a diagnostic radiologist.

Doctors say that the new technology will help them find more cancers, and decrease the number of women who need additional screenings when the results are inconclusive.

Some studies have found that using a combination of standard mammography and the new 3-D Imagery can improve accuracy in detecting cancer. But some breast health advocates have their concerns about the new screening.

"The exposure to radiation is doubled over conventional mammography and the cost to the healthcare system will probably be significant," said Fran Visco, the president of the National Breast Cancer Coalition.

Every year breast cancer claims the lives of 40,000 women. Even with new technology, the message remains the same. Get screened.

"Early diagnosis changes the outcome for most patients. It did for me" said Laura.

It's recommended women over the age of 40 get a mammogram every year to screen for breast cancer. If caught early many women can beat it.

For more information on 3-D Mammography, CLICK HERE.

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Reported by Stephanie Stahl, CBS 3