Rethinking the Future of Breast Screening
For decades, the mammogram has been the standard for breast cancer detection, yet for nearly 50% of women, this conventional approach can miss vital signs of disease. This is particularly true for women with dense breast tissue, where mammograms can miss as much as 50% of small cancers hidden within the tissue.
At OWM Integrative Wellness, we are committed to looking deeply into the root cause of health concerns, and that includes offering the latest advancements in diagnostic technology. We are proud to be the only facility in Western New York (WNY) to offer SonoCiné Automated Whole Breast Ultrasound (AWBUS) screenings.
Here is an in-depth look at this cutting-edge technology and why OWM relies on it to provide unparalleled clarity and comfort in breast health screening.
The Hidden Danger of Dense Breast Tissue
Breast density describes the proportion of different tissues, glandular and fibrous tissue, which appear white on a mammogram, versus fatty tissue, which appears dark. The challenge arises because cancer tissue also appears white on a mammogram. In dense breasts, this creates a dangerous camouflage known as the “masking effect,” making it difficult for radiologists to find cancer as early as possible.
Women under the age of 50 not only have a higher incidence of dense breast tissue but also face more aggressive forms of breast cancer, making traditional screening methods inadequate.
What is SonoCiné AWBUS Technology?
SonoCiné AWBUS is an FDA-approved, radiation-free, robot-assisted ultrasound breast screening exam. Unlike traditional ultrasound performed “freehand,” the SonoCiné robotics automate the scan acquisition process, which virtually eliminates human error.
This sophisticated device uses a robotic arm to guide the ultrasonographer, ensuring that no areas are missed. It operates by taking pictures every 400 microns and saving the entire study as a video. This results in twice as much information being provided to the reading radiologist compared to a traditional handheld ultrasound.
The entire radiation-free examination takes less than 20 minutes.
Why OWM Uses SonoCiné: Unmatched Benefits
OWM Integrative Wellness incorporates SonoCiné AWBUS because it overcomes the limitations of older screening methods, aligning with our commitment to advanced, holistic care:
- Superior Detection of Small Cancers: SonoCiné technology is exceptionally precise, capable of picking up masses in dense breast tissue as small as three millimeters (3 mm). This powerful process allows small invasive cancers to be caught early. Studies have concluded that SonoCiné AWBUS finds twice as many cancers as mammography alone, and three times as many small, invasive cancers (10mm or less).
- Comprehensive Coverage: Traditional imaging techniques often fail to scan the entire chest region, but SonoCiné screens 100% of the breast tissue. It is able to cover the entire breast region, including difficult-to-image areas such as the axilla (underarm and lymph nodes), the breastplate area, and the supraclavicular regions.
- Safety and Comfort Over Compression: A major drawback of mammography is the painful compression required, along with the use of x-ray technology. SonoCiné is fundamentally different:
- Radiation-Free: It utilizes sound waves instead of x-rays, posing zero negative impact to the body.
- Pain-Free: There is minimal compression and no pain or squeeze.
- No Toxic Agents: Unlike MRI, which requires toxic contrast material or heavy metal injection, SonoCiné AWBUS is injection-free. This non-invasive nature also helps women avoid unnecessary biopsies, MRIs, and intravenous contrast agents, which reduces anxiety.
- Versatility for All Women (and Men) SonoCiné AWBUS is particularly beneficial for:
- Women with dense breast tissue.
- Women with breast implants.
- Pregnant or nursing women, as it is radiation-free ultrasound technology.
- Younger women who want a detailed baseline before age 40.
Additionally, men concerned about breast cancer can safely and comfortably receive this screening.
OWM strongly recommends that all women consider adding an AWBUS screening to their annual mammogram to increase the visibility of cancers that might otherwise be hidden. To learn more about how this advanced technology can offer you peace of mind and enhance your breast health screening, contact us today!
