AllianceHealth Durant Now Offering 3D Breast Ultrasound for Women with Dense Breasts

2/22/2018

AllianceHealth Durant is offering a new FDA-approved automated breast ultrasound system (ABUS) for imaging women with dense breast tissue. The ABUS is a supplement to mammography for women with dense breast tissue. In women with dense breast tissue, using the ABUS demonstrates a 35.7 percent improvement in cancer detection.

“We are excited to add the automated breast ultrasound system to our comprehensive breast cancer screening program,” stated Michelle Miller, Director of Imaging Services at AllianceHealth Durant. “By offering the ABUS in addition to mammography for patients with dense breast tissue, we anticipate improving detection for small cancers that may not be seen on a mammogram alone in these women.”

Dense breast tissue not only increases the risk of breast cancer up to 4-6 times but also makes cancer more difficult to detect if using mammography alone. Oklahoma is one of 30 states that has passed legislation mandating that screening mammography patients demonstrating greater than 50 percent breast density should be informed of their density as well as the limitation of screening with mammography alone.

“This is significant for women who may not even realize they have dense breast tissue and might have a difficult time finding cancer,” Miller said. “We believe the ABUS will become an integral part of our practice for the detection of breast cancer.”

The American Cancer Society recommends that women receive yearly mammograms beginning at the age of 40. If women have been informed that they have dense breast tissue, they should talk to their doctor about their specific risk and consider additional screening tests that might be appropriate.

To scheduling your mammography or breast ultrasound, call us at (580) 931-2079.

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