UCHealth Brings Advanced Breast Cancer Detection Technology to Longmont
UCHealth launched contrast-enhanced mammography services at its Breast Diagnostic Center at Longs Peak Medical Center in Longmont this month, becoming the first health system in Colorado to offer the advanced imaging technology that significantly improves breast cancer detection in women with dense breast tissue.
The technology combines standard mammography equipment with an intravenous contrast agent to produce high-resolution images that reveal cancers traditional mammograms frequently miss. The innovation particularly benefits the 40 to 50 percent of U.S. women aged 40 to 74 who have dense breast tissue, according to data from the Society of Breast Imaging.
Dr. Elizabeth Vorhis, a breast radiologist with Advanced Medical Imaging Consultants and medical director at the breast diagnostic center, explained that traditional mammography and even breast ultrasound can miss early signs of breast cancer in women with dense tissue.
"For women with dense breast tissue, 3D mammography and even breast ultrasound can still miss the earliest signs of breast cancer," Vorhis said.
Technology Dramatically Improves Cancer Detection
Contrast-enhanced mammography works by injecting an iodinated contrast agent intravenously, then capturing mammogram images using dual-energy x-ray techniques. The process creates images where abnormal blood flow patterns associated with cancerous lesions appear as bright white areas against a dark background of normal dense tissue.
On traditional 3D mammogram images of dense breasts, both the dense tissue and cancerous lesions show up as bright white, making abnormalities difficult or impossible to detect. The contrast agent pooling in tumor blood vessels allows the new technology to isolate suspicious areas with accuracy comparable to breast MRI, according to peer-reviewed studies published by the Radiological Society of North America.
Research data shows contrast-enhanced mammography achieves 85 to 97 percent sensitivity in detecting breast cancer in dense tissue, compared to 30 to 52 percent sensitivity for traditional mammography. Cancer detection rates with the technology approach 17 to 19 cancers per 1,000 screenings in dense breasts, approximately double the rate of standard mammography.
Alternative to MRI for Many Patients
The technology provides a faster and less expensive option than breast MRI for many patients. Contrast-enhanced mammography typically costs $400 to $650 per exam compared to $1,000 to $2,600 for breast MRI.
The procedure particularly benefits patients who cannot undergo MRI due to claustrophobia, pacemakers or other implanted devices. Up to 20 to 25 percent of women referred for breast MRI may have contraindications or intolerance to the procedure, according to clinical studies.
"By including an injection of IV contrast right before obtaining a traditional mammogram, we now have a test that is familiar, fast, well-tolerated, and can find early small cancers even in dense tissue, with an accuracy comparable to breast MRI," Vorhis said.
Limited Availability Through 2025
The Longmont location initially offers the technology to patients who have undergone inconclusive imaging or require supplemental screening due to risk factors. The breast diagnostic center will contact eligible patients directly.
Broader referral access is expected to expand in 2026, with UCHealth remaining the only provider of contrast-enhanced mammography in Colorado as of November 2025. No other health systems in Northern Colorado, including facilities in Larimer or Weld Counties, have announced plans to offer the technology.
The FDA first approved contrast-enhanced mammography systems in 2011 for diagnostic use, with expanding acceptance for screening applications in recent years.
Donation Funded Program Launch
A donation to the UCHealth Longs Peak Hospital Foundation from local couple Claire and Richard Padgett, combined with UCHealth investment, made the program possible.
"We are delighted to support the advancement of contrast-enhanced mammography to allow women the opportunity to detect breast cancer as early as possible," Claire Padgett said.
Boulder County residents Claire and Richard Padgett said they recognized the importance of providing access to the technology close to home for women living in Northern Colorado.
UCHealth recently completed its affiliation with Estes Park Health on November 1, expanding the health system's mountain community presence. UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies earned its fourth consecutive Magnet designation for nursing excellence on October 27.
Insurance coverage for contrast-enhanced mammography varies by plan, with Medicare and most private insurers covering diagnostic applications but not necessarily routine screening. Patients should verify coverage and prior authorization requirements with their insurance providers before scheduling.