Automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) is a better screening option for women with dense breasts, a new study finds. Compared to handheld ultrasound (HHUS), ABUS produced fewer abnormal interpretations and far fewer short-interval follow-up recommendations — without sacrificing cancer detection. Researchers say this is the strongest evidence yet supporting ABUS as a go-to alternative for supplemental screening.
A large study published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology finds that automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) may be the smarter screening choice for women with dense breasts. Analyzing over 25,000 ultrasound exams across 27 radiology facilities between 2017 and 2020, researchers found ABUS consistently outperformed handheld ultrasound (HHUS) on key performance metrics — all while detecting cancer at comparable rates.
The study, led by researchers from the University of Illinois Chicago and the University of Vermont Medical Center, offers what authors call "the strongest evidence to date" supporting ABUS as a viable alternative to HHUS for supplemental breast cancer screening.
By the Numbers:
Why it matters: Fewer false positives and unnecessary follow-ups mean less patient anxiety, lower healthcare costs, and more efficient use of radiology resources — a meaningful win for the millions of women with dense breast tissue who require supplemental screening beyond mammography.
