BY JOY PRUDEK
St. Luke’s Wood River is expanding access to advanced breast cancer screening with the addition of automated breast ultrasound (ABUS), a supplemental screening option designed to improve cancer detection for patients with dense breast tissue.
“This advancement was made possible through the generous support of our community,” said Megan Tanous, chief development director for the St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to our donors for their longstanding commitment to women’s health. Their generosity has accelerated access to this new technology and funded critical investments, including the Women’s Imaging Center, 3D mammography, and breast MRI, ensuring women in our community receive leadingedge care close to home.”
ABUS, also known as whole breast ultrasound, uses sound waves to create detailed 3D images of breast tissue. When used alongside mammography, it helps radiologists identify cancers that can be difficult to see in dense tissue—without the use of radiation.
St. Luke’s Wood River will begin offering ABUS the week of April 20.
The breast care center at St. Luke’s Wood River offers 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) for routine breast cancer screening, which remains the foundation of early detection. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.
“Mammography remains the foundation of breast cancer screening,” said Dr. Leigh Morse, St. Luke’s Wood River. “For patients with dense breast tissue, ABUS gives us another way to see what a mammogram may miss—without radiation and without the burden of having to travel for additional imaging. Finding cancer earlier can lead to better outcomes, and having these services available locally makes a meaningful difference for patients.”
Breast density is common nationwide, but it is especially prevalent in the Wood River Valley. Among women receiving screening mammograms at St. Luke’s Wood River, 72 percent have dense breast tissue, which often requires additional imaging to ensure accurate results.
Previously, patients had to drive to Nampa, Idaho, for this exam. St. Luke’s Wood River now offers two supplemental screening options for patients with dense breasts: breast MRI and automated breast ultrasound.
Dense breast tissue can make cancer harder to detect. On a mammogram, both dense tissue and potential tumors appear white, which means a concerning area can sometimes blend in and be difficult to see. With ultrasound, normal breast tissue appears white while masses appear dark, helping radiologists spot changes more clearly. Dense breast tissue may also increase risk of developing breast cancer by four to six times, making appropriate screening and follow-up especially important.
“This is about neighbors coming together to make care easier and more accessible,” said Tanous. “We are grateful for the generosity of our donors, and especially to the Wood River Women’s Foundation and its members for the $25,000 grant announced the other day. Their collective commitment helps ensure patients in the Wood River Valley can receive advanced breast screening close to home, reducing stress, limiting long drives and providing reassurance that highquality care is available right here in their community.”
ABUS exams typically take about 15 to 30 minutes and are designed to be comfortable for patients. Images are reviewed alongside a screening mammogram, allowing radiologists to examine hundreds of thin ‘slices’ of breast tissue that may reveal cancers or lesions not visible with mammography alone.
ABUS is offered as a supplemental screening exam and requires a provider referral. Patients are encouraged to talk with their health care provider about their breast density, screening history, and the screening options that may be right for them.
To support women’s health, contact Betsy Mullins, St. Luke’s Wood River Foundation, at mullinse@slhs.org.