Ottumwa Regional Health Center Now Offering Automated Breast Ultrasound System New technology clinically proven to increase breast cancer detection by over 35 percent
November 13, 2026
By Raquel Alderman
OTTUMWA, IOWA (November 13, 2026) – Ottumwa Regional Health Center (ORHC) announced today the addition of automated breast ultrasound services to its WOMEN’S HEALTH/BREAST CENTER NAME, making it the only hospital in REGION to offer this new screening option.
The Automated Breast Ultrasound System (“ABUS”) is a non-invasive ultrasound examination, which is an adjunct to mammography for asymptomatic women with dense breast tissue. It is estimated that 40% of women in the United States have dense breast tissue, which can mask the appearance of tumors and limit the performance of mammography. Unlike traditional mammography, ABUS technology is not affected by breast density, and as a secondary screening examination, it can see through dense breast tissue and has been shown to demonstrate a significant improvement in cancer detection.
“We are thrilled to be able to offer this state-of-the-art technology to enhance our breast cancer screening program,” said Lisa Garrison, Director of Imaging, Radiation Oncology, and Cardiac Cath Lab at Ottumwa Regional Health Center. “By offering ABUS in addition to mammography for our patients with dense breast tissue, we anticipate improving detection for small cancers that cannot be seen on a mammogram alone in these women. We believe ABUS will become an integral part of our practice for the detection of breast cancer.”
In early 2019, a national density inform law was passed that mandates that the FDA update mammography reporting so that women be notified if their breasts are dense. Providers may offer supplemental imaging as appropriate to help find cancers hiding in dense breast tissue.
“Mammography remains the gold standard for the detection of breast cancer; however, it doesn’t work equally well in all women, particularly those with dense breast tissue,” added Lisa. “We are hopeful that this new service can provide added peace of mind for our patients and their providers.”
The American Cancer Society recommends that women receive yearly mammograms beginning at the age of 40. If they have been informed that they have dense breast tissue, they should talk to their doctor about their specific risk and consider additional screening tests that might be appropriate.
For more information about Ottumwa Regional Health Center breast health program, call 641.684.2461 or visit OttumwaRegionalHealth.com/breast-health
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About Ottumwa Regional Health Center (ORHC)
Ottumwa Regional Health Center is a 217-bed hospital that has served Ottumwa, Wapello County and surrounding southeast Iowa communities for more than 130 years. The hospital provides a broad range of services, including emergency care, medical and surgical care, critical care, acute rehabilitation, obstetrics, pediatrics and specialty services. These include cardiac catheterization, diagnostic and therapeutic imaging, wound care, pain management, sleep studies and pathology.
Ottumwa Regional Health Center is committed to its mission of making communities healthier. For more information, call 641.684.2300 or visit OttumwaRegionalHealth.com.