Medically Reviewed by: Shannon Ellis, M.D., Board Certified OB/Gyn
Last Reviewed: March 9, 2026
An Important Supplemental Breast Cancer Screening Option
Breast cancer screening saves lives. For many women, a routine screening mammogram is an effective and essential tool for early detection. However, for patients with dense breast tissue, mammography alone may not always tell the full story.
At Birmingham OB/Gyn, we offer Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) as a supplemental breast screening option for patients with dense breasts, in conjunction with a screening mammogram. ABUS can improve cancer detection in certain patients and provide additional peace of mind when mammogram results are limited by breast density.
What Does It Mean to Have Dense Breast Tissue?
Breast density refers to the proportion of fibrous and glandular tissue compared to fatty tissue in the breast. On a mammogram:
- Fatty tissue appears dark
- Dense tissue appears white
Because breast cancers also appear white, dense tissue can make it harder to detect cancer on a mammogram alone.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), nearly half of women undergoing mammography have dense breasts, and breast density is both:
- A potential risk factor for breast cancer, and
- A factor that can reduce the sensitivity of mammography
Breast density cannot be determined by touch or physical exam—it is identified only by imaging.
What Is Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS)?
Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) is an advanced imaging technology designed specifically to screen women with dense breast tissue.
Unlike handheld ultrasound, ABUS:
- Uses a large, automated transducer
- Captures thousands of images of the entire breast
- Creates a 3-dimensional dataset that can be reviewed by a radiologist
ABUS is not a replacement for a mammogram, but rather a supplemental breast screening option that can detect cancers that may be hidden on mammography due to dense tissue.
How ABUS Helps Patients With Dense Breasts
Clinical studies have shown that adding ABUS to screening mammography can:
- Increase cancer detection rates in women with dense breasts
- Identify small, invasive cancers that may not be visible on mammogram alone
- Improve confidence in screening results when breast density limits visibility
ABUS does not use radiation and is generally well tolerated. The exam is non-invasive and typically completed in about 15–20 minutes.
Why Birmingham OB/Gyn Offers ABUS
Screening mammography remains the first-line tool for breast cancer screening, and ABUS is used selectively as a supplemental option for patients with dense breast tissue.
At Birmingham OB/Gyn, our goal is to provide personalized, evidence-based care that reflects each patient’s individual risk factors.
We offer ABUS because:
- Many of our patients have dense breast tissue
- Mammography alone may not be sufficient for every patient
- ABUS allows us to offer more comprehensive breast cancer screening
- Early detection improves treatment options and outcomes
ABUS is offered in conjunction with a screening mammogram, not as a standalone test, and is recommended selectively based on breast density and individual risk assessment.
Where ABUS Is Available
Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) is available at our:
Birmingham OB/Gyn – Grandview Parkway Office
Our clinical team will review your mammogram results and discuss whether ABUS is an appropriate supplemental screening option for you.
Is ABUS Right for You?
ABUS may be appropriate if you:
- Have been told you have dense breasts
- Want additional screening beyond mammography
- Have concerns about breast cancer detection due to density
- Are looking for supplemental breast screening options recommended by your provider
Every patient is different. We encourage you to discuss your breast cancer screening plan with your Birmingham OB/Gyn provider to determine what imaging is right for you.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have dense breast tissue or questions about ABUS dense breast screening, our team is here to help.
📍 Birmingham OB/Gyn – Grandview Parkway
📞 Call our office at 205-933-8334 or speak with your provider at your next visit to learn more.
Medical Review
This article was medically reviewed by a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist at Birmingham OB/Gyn to ensure accuracy and alignment with current breast cancer screening guidelines.
Last Updated March 9, 2026