ATHENS — As Breast Cancer Awareness Month is being observed, cutting-edge breast screening technology that can detect small cancers is now available in the area.

Athens-Limestone Hospital said today it has installed the Invenia ABUS 2.0 (Automated Breast Ultrasound System) — making it the only hospital in the Limestone, Madison, and Morgan county areas to offer the technology.

The Invenia ABUS 2.0, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, enhances breast cancer screening as an adjunct to mammography for patients with dense breast tissue. Clinical research shows ABUS can increase cancer detection by 35.7% in women with dense breasts compared to mammography alone.

“We are proud to lead the way in breast health by bringing this innovative technology to Limestone County,” said Traci Collins, president of Athens-Limestone Hospital. “Offering ABUS alongside mammography allows us to improve detection of small cancers that may not appear on a mammogram alone — helping us save lives and improve outcomes for our patients.”

Dense breast tissue is one of the most common risk factors for breast cancer and can make cancer more difficult to detect with mammography alone. With ABUS, suspicious masses appear as dark areas against white dense tissue, making them easier for radiologists to identify.

“ABUS represents a significant step forward in personalized breast care,” said Leslie Wallace, director of Imaging Services. “Designed specifically for screening women with dense breast tissue, ABUS improves image consistency and reproducibility while maintaining patient comfort.”

In September 2024, a FDA breast density-reporting standard went into effect requiring all mammogram facilities to notify patients about their breast density. Providers may offer supplemental imaging — such as ABUS — when appropriate to find cancers hidden in dense tissue.

The system’s patient-friendly features follow the natural contour of the breast and allow for adjustable compression levels for a more comfortable exam experience.