Leading-edge breast care, including 3D screening and diagnostic contrast-enhanced mammography is now available to patients in south Arkansas and north Louisiana at the CARTI Cancer Center in El Dorado. Later this year, CARTI will also provide advanced imaging and radiation therapy as part of the finalization of the comprehensive cancer center.
Adam Head, president and CEO of CARTI, said the expanded offerings reflect the not-for-profit provider’s commitment to meeting patients where they are.
“Our commitment to ensuring no one goes without access to care is particularly vital in rural areas like south Arkansas with disproportionately high cancer incidence rates,” he said. “This expansion will be transformational for patients and their families, allowing women to receive diagnostic services, including contrast-enhanced mammography, and treatment from the convenience and comfort of their community.”
CARTI has been the region’s primary source of cancer care for 25 years. With support from Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, former Speaker Matthew Shepherd, Senate President Pro Temp Bart Hester, and the south Arkansas legislative delegation, CARTI secured $7 million in funding through the American Rescue Plan Act in 2024 to complete its $19 million comprehensive cancer center.
“Decades of research show that annual mammograms save lives, yet far too many women still lack access to these vital screening tools,” said Dr. Shyann Renfroe, a board-certified, fellowship-trained breast imaging specialist. “By offering trusted local breast care, we will address this urgent gap to help improve women’s outcomes.”
The Breast Center at CARTI is the first in the state to offer CEM, a diagnostic imaging tool used to evaluate suspicious findings from a conventional mammogram and assess potential breast cancer spread. CEM may also serve as a breast MRI alternative for qualifying patients.
In addition to CEM, The Breast Center at CARTI in El Dorado offers 3D screening mammography and supplemental screenings, such as whole breast ultrasound for patients with dense breast tissue.
Women of average risk should begin annual mammograms at age 40. At age 25, all women should receive a risk assessment from their primary care provider to determine whether earlier, more frequent or additional screenings may be beneficial.
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