ABUS Improves Breast Cancer Detection by 35%

If you have dense breasts, mammograms alone may not be enough to detect breast cancer. Automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) is a newer, innovative screening tool that, when used in conjunction with mammography in women who have dense breast tissue, can improve breast cancer detection by 35.7% over mammography alone.

Supplemental breast cancer screening with ABUS transforms breast care from reactive to proactive. Women whose breast cancer is detected at an early stage have a 90% or higher survival rate.

I’ve been told I have dense breasts. What does that mean?

Breast density reflects the amount of fibrous and glandular tissue in a woman’s breasts compared with the amount of fatty tissue in the breasts as seen on a mammogram.

On a mammography report, breast density is assigned to one of the following four categories:

• The breasts are almost entirely fatty (about 10% of women).
• A few areas of dense tissue are scattered through the breasts (about 40% of women).
• The breasts are evenly dense throughout (about 40% of women).
• The breasts are extremely dense (about 10% of women).

Women in the first two categories are said to have non-dense breasts. Women in the second two categories are said to have dense breasts. About half of women who are 40 years old or older have dense breasts.

So, while dense breasts particularly in younger women are common, they marginally increase the risk of breast cancer. Also imaging findings can be masked in a dense breast.

How do I know if ABUS testing is right for me?

UMass Memorial Health’s breast imaging providers have developed the following guidelines to help your doctor select patients for ABUS examinations:

• You have had a mammogram performed in the last six months.
• You have been told you have dense breasts (evenly dense or extremely dense).
• You’re between 40 and 74 years old.

Sometimes, there are reasons you may not be able to have an ABUS exam:

• You have cardiac devices (i.e., pacemaker, loop recorder, heart monitor, defibrillator, etc.), as magnetic fields in the devices may interfere with the results.
• You have had bilateral breast reduction surgery
• You’re breastfeeding.

What is the Tyrer-Cuzik screening?

Your doctor may use the Tyrer-Cuzick risk assessment to help determine if ABUS screening is right for you. The tool measures a person’s probability of developing breast cancer based on age, body height and weight, breast density, health history, results of previous breast biopsies, personal history of breast or ovarian cancer, age of cancer diagnosis, ethnicity (particularly Ashkenazi Jews), history of hormone use, age at first menstrual period, age of menopause, and age you had your first child.

Can you have ABUS screening without a mammogram?

ABUS is complementary to a mammogram and does not replace screening mammograms. ABUS is recommended on the same day as your mammogram or within six months after your mammogram.

What about 3D mammography?

A 3D mammogram helps a radiologist look at the breasts in greater detail. A 3D mammogram (breast tomosynthesis) is an imaging test that combines multiple breast X-rays to create a three-dimensional picture of the breast. This helps the radiologist look for breast cancer in people who have no signs or symptoms. It can also be used to investigate the cause of breast problems, such as a breast mass, pain and nipple discharge. When used for breast cancer screening, 3D mammogram machines create both 3D images and standard 2D images.

The benefit is similar to how a CT scan of the chest is superior to a plain X-ray of the chest.

What can I expect during an ABUS screening?

ABUS doesn’t use radiation and is a comfortable exam where you lay on your back and the technologist takes images of your breast tissue.

Is ABUS covered by my insurance?

Call your insurance company and tell them you have been told you have dense breasts, and your physician is recommending a supplemental screening ultrasound. You may reference the procedure code (or CPT code) 76641, which is described as “Ultrasound, breast, unilateral, real time with image documentation, including axilla when performed; complete.” Ask them if they will cover the cost of the exam and if you will have an out-of-pocket cost.

Is ABUS a substitute for my annual mammogram?

No. Mammography is still the gold standard. ABUS imaging is meant to complement mammography, not replace it.

Do you get them annually thereafter?

The radiologist will determine if you need to have annual ABUS exams.

Do I need a referral?

Yes, your doctor will need to place an order.

If you have questions about whether ABUS is right for you, it’s always a good idea to speak with your physician who knows your situation best.