Closer look

Women with dense breasts should consider extra cancer screening.
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Closer Look

When it comes to cancer detection, earlier is always better. That’s especially true for breast cancer, where there is close to a 100% survival rate when it is found before it spreads outside the breast.

But identifying breast cancer at its earliest stages is challenging in about half of all women due to the makeup of their breast tissue. 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, says Eamonn Quinn, MD, a breast radiologist for AdventHealth Castle Rock Hospital.

Despite those challenges, mammography is still the “gold standard” for screening technology. All women — regardless of their breast density — should get an annual screening mammogram starting at age 40. (Women with risk factors should talk with their provider about when to start screenings.)

“More (cancer) can be seen on a mammogram than any other type of screening, so that is where all women should start,” Dr. Quinn says. “If a woman has dense breasts, we often will recommend supplemental screening with ultrasound.”

Automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) uses sound waves to create 3D images of the breast. Research has shown that in women with dense breasts, ultrasound can identify 2-3 additional cancers per 1,000 screenings, compared to mammography alone, Dr. Quinn says. “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, women can schedule a screening mammogram and a breast ultrasound for the same day if their provider has recommended both tests. The radiologist will review both screenings before providing the results. Call 720-455-2559 to schedule today.

Colorado passed a law this year that requires health insurers to pay for supplemental screenings at no cost to the patient if at high risk for developing breast cancer. Also, you do not need a referral from a physician to schedule an appointment.

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