CHRISTUS Health brings advanced breast imaging technology to Southeast Texas

Women in Southeast Texas with dense breast tissue now have access to advanced breast imaging technology at CHRISTUS Health – Orange, thanks to a $300,000 investment from Golden Triangle Polymers.

CHRISTUS Health used the generous donation to acquire Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS), a three-dimensional ultrasound technology designed to provide supplemental breast cancer screening for women with dense breast tissue.

“Bringing ABUS to CHRISTUS Health – Orange is an important step in expanding access to advanced breast care for women in our community,” said Billie Loncon, program manager for breast services, CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System. “Dense breast tissue can make it more difficult to see some abnormalities on a mammogram because both dense tissue and some cancers can appear white on the image. ABUS gives our team another tool to provide a more complete view of the breast and support earlier detection when appropriate.”

ABUS uses sound waves to create a three-dimensional view of the entire breast. Unlike a mammogram, which uses X-rays, ABUS does not use ionizing radiation. The technology is designed to help radiologists identify abnormalities despite dense breast tissue.

Breast density refers to the amount of fibrous and glandular tissue in the breast compared with fatty tissue. Dense breast tissue is common and can increase a woman’s risk of breast cancer and make cancer more difficult to see on a mammogram.

Loncon said ABUS is not intended to replace a screening mammogram. It is used as a supplemental screening tool for appropriate patients.

The exam is noninvasive and generally takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. The compression used during the scan is significantly gentler than mammography, offering patients a comfortable screening experience.

“Philanthropy has the power to bring possibilities to our communities that might otherwise take years to become reality,” said Teri Hawthorne, executive director, CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Foundation. “Golden Triangle Polymers’ $300,000 investment is a meaningful example of what can happen when community partners come together to improve access to care. This technology will give women in Orange and the surrounding communities greater access to advanced breast imaging close to home.”

The addition of ABUS at CHRISTUS Health – Orange strengthens the health system’s commitment to the fight against breast cancer while expanding access to integrated and accessible breast care across Southeast Texas. Additional ABUS equipment is being acquired for other CHRISTUS Southeast Texas facilities to further expand access for women in the community.

“This is not just an investment in technology but in the women of our community,” Loncon said. “Our goal is to make sure your mom, daughter, sister and friend have access to reliable screening resources they need and to give our clinical teams the tools to provide high-quality breast care close to home.”