Scanning for Breast Cancer is Uncomfortable, Error-Prone, and Costly
Scanning breast tissue presents several challenges, including difficulties in detecting abnormalities in dense breast tissue, the risk of false positives leading to unnecessary follow-up tests, errors in positioning during imaging, limitations in detecting small or hidden lesions, and the varying sensitivity and specificity of different imaging modalities. Additionally, factors such as cost, availability, patient characteristics, radiation exposure, and the potential for overdiagnosis further complicate the process.
Women who require frequent screening for breast cancer may experience several issues with imaging that can impact their emotional well-being and quality of life. Firstly, the need for regular screening itself can cause anxiety and stress, particularly for those with a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors. Additionally, the process of undergoing imaging tests, such as mammograms, ultrasounds, or MRIs, can be uncomfortable or painful for some women, leading to reluctance or fear of the screening process. Moreover, the uncertainty associated with waiting for results and the possibility of receiving false positive findings can exacerbate anxiety and emotional distress. For those with dense breast tissue, there's an increased risk of missed or delayed detection of abnormalities, adding another layer of concern. Furthermore, logistical challenges such as scheduling appointments, managing costs, and accessing specialized imaging facilities can present barriers to regular screening for some women. Overall, the cumulative impact of these issues can significantly affect the mental and emotional well-being of women undergoing frequent breast cancer screening.
- The average cost of a mammogram can range from $100 to $300 or more.
- The cost of a breast ultrasound can vary from $200 to $500 or more, depending on factors such as the complexity of the exam, the need for additional imaging views, and the facility where the test is performed.
- Breast MRI is a more expensive screening option compared to mammography and ultrasound. The cost of a breast MRI without insurance coverage can range from $500 to $2,000 or more, with additional costs for contrast dye administration and interpretation by a radiologist.
iSono’s Solution
iSono Health has developed the world’s first AI-driven platform with an automated, portable, and wearable ultrasound to empower women and their physicians with early breast cancer detection and monitoring: ATUSA. Their patented compact ultrasound scanner captures 3D images by automatically scanning the whole breast volume. Scans only take two minutes per breast, and make breast imaging painless and convenient for patient and practitioner. With ATUSA’s proprietary scanning method, physicians have advanced 3D visualization available at their fingertips to gain confidence in their diagnosis and monitoring of patients. Their machine-learning algorithm uses acoustic biomarkers to identify abnormal masses.
This system enables ultrasound use in point-of-care diagnostics and monitoring of breast health at radiology centers, walk-in, and mobile clinics. ATUSA's accessible ultrasound scanning makes personalized longitudinal monitoring for high-risk individuals more accessible. The ATUSA system has received FDA 510(k) clearance.
How Femovate Helps
iSono was awarded sponsorship through Guidea’s Femovate program for ‘23-’24.
As part of the Femovate sponsorship, designers at Guidea worked closely with iSono founder, Shadi Saberi to iterate design elements in the imaging platform and validate the UX design with radiologists.
For more information about iSono, visit https://isonohealth.com/ and follow them on LinkedIn
For more information on Femovate visit www.femovate.com and follow us on LinkedIn
For interviews please contact Theresa Neil
