For people with dense breast tissue, a traditional mammogram may not always tell the whole story. That's why OSF HealthCare Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Peru offers Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS), an additional screening option that can help detect breast cancers that may be more difficult to see on a mammogram alone.
Available at OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Peru for the past two years, ABUS uses sound waves rather than radiation to create detailed, three-dimensional images of breast tissue. The exam takes about 15 minutes and is designed to complement, not replace, a screening mammogram.
What began as a service offered two days a week has expanded to five days a week, increasing access for patients who may benefit from additional screening. Dense breast tissue is common and can make it more challenging to identify cancer on a mammogram because both dense tissue and tumors can appear white on imaging. ABUS provides another layer of screening, helping radiologists identify abnormalities that may otherwise go undetected.
Since introducing the technology, providers in Peru have detected multiple breast cancers measuring less than one centimeter with ABUS that were not identified on mammography alone. These findings highlight the value of offering an additional screening option for eligible patients.
"ABUS gives us another tool to evaluate dense breast tissue and identify cancers at an earlier stage," said Nichole Simmons, I-80 director of Diagnostic Imaging. "Finding breast cancer when it is small can make a significant difference in treatment options and outcomes."
Patients who have been told they have dense breasts are encouraged to speak with their primary care provider about whether ABUS screening is right for them. Having that conversation can provide greater confidence and peace of mind when making decisions about breast health.
For more information about breast imaging services in Peru, visit www.osfhealthcare.org/breast-health or talk with your primary care provider.