Novant Health has received a $250,000 grant to help purchase mammogram technology for its Rowan Medical Center.

Novant Health’s Rowan Medical Center Foundation is the official recipient of the grant, which comes from the Charles A. Cannon Charitable Trusts. The grant is specifically designated for 3-D mammogram technology, which provides more detailed views of the breast than standard digital mammography. A news release from Novant Health says 3-D mammography increases breast cancer detection rates by 41 percent and reduces the need for additional imaging and biopsies by 40 percent.

Rowan’s 2014 State of the County Health Report shows the breast cancer death rate at 32.8 percent for 2013, which is the latest year available. Rowan County’s rate is significantly above the state average of breast cancer mortality — 24.8 percent.

“We know that early detection greatly increases the rate of survival for breast cancer patients,” said Dari Caldwell, president of Rowan Medical Center. “As a survivor myself, the Cannon grant means so much because it will help us bring a vital diagnostic tool to the women in our community.”

The 3-D mammogram unit will be located in the Breast Health Center located on the campus of the Novant Health Rowan Medical Park off of Julian Road, according to the news release.

Additional funds for the unit will be raised through the Rowan Medical Center Foundation’s fall gala.

Traditional mammograms are currently available at the Breast Health Center five days a week or on Novant Health’s mobile mammography coach. The mobile mammography coach is available at various Rowan County locations several days a month and features digital mammography technology, all female technicians, a private changing area and a separate clinical exam room.

To schedule a mammogram, call 704-210-7762 or visit NovantHealth.org/Pink .

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.