When breast cancer is detected early, survival rates are much higher. However, detecting the disease at its earliest stages can be difficult for women with dense breast tissue. According to Eamonn Quinn, MD, a breast radiologist at AdventHealth Castle Rock Hospital, “These women have dense breasts, which means their breasts have a higher proportion of fibrous and glandular tissue than fatty tissue. This makes it harder to spot breast cancer because both fibroglandular tissue and tumors appear white on a mammogram. Not only is it hard to distinguish between the two, but a tumor also could be located within or behind fibroglandular tissue.”
Despite these difficulties, mammography remains the main screening method for all women starting at age 40. Dr. Quinn states, “More (cancer) can be seen on a mammogram than any other type of screening, so that is where all women should start.” For those with dense breasts, he adds that supplemental ultrasound screenings may be recommended: “If a woman has dense breasts, we often will recommend supplemental screening with ultrasound.”
Automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) uses sound waves to create three-dimensional images of the breast and can detect more cancers in women with dense breasts compared to mammography alone. Dr. Quinn explains, “Research has shown that in women with dense breasts, ultrasound can identify 2-3 additional cancers per 1,000 screenings, compared to mammography alone… That may not sound like much but if we can detect even two additional cancers, we think it’s worth it.”
At AdventHealth Castle Rock Hospital, patients can schedule both a screening mammogram and an ultrasound on the same day if recommended by their provider. Both tests are reviewed by a radiologist before results are given.
A new law in Colorado now requires health insurers to cover supplemental screenings without cost for patients at high risk for developing breast cancer. Patients do not need a physician referral to make an appointment.
AdventHealth Orlando was founded in 1908 and is based in Orlando, Florida. It operates as both a pediatric hospital and training facility under the leadership of President Terry Shaw.
