GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Wednesday, the St. Mary’s mammography team unveiled a new state-of-the-art, AI-powered mammogram machine at the Advanced Medicine Pavilion. The new 3D machine uses artificial intelligence detection technology to identify common cancer signs and provides a more thorough evaluation than previous machines.

Radiologists now have the ability to view improved scans and recognize patterns from previous years. This may allow them to catch cancer even earlier. The machine includes advances in comfort like a comfort curve paddle and much shorter scan times, about 4 seconds per scan. The pavilion started using the new mammography machine in October.

Alicia Swink M.D. tells WesternSlopeNow that women should begin annual breast cancer screenings when they turn 40 to prevent late detection. Alicia also mentioned that if you have questions or concerns, you can call to see what the process is like and come see the new machine so you are as comfortable as possible.

Mammograms can be scheduled online at stmarysgj.org/mammography or by calling (970) 298-6900.