The automated breast ultrasound system should be used in addition to mammograms for women with dense breasts.
The technology can help women take control of their health.
36-year-old Melanie Lasher of Santa Clarita gets routine regular checkups after a mammogram turned up something suspicious.
The day she found out, her mother was just diagnosed with breast cancer.
Melanie's mom and grandmother both died from breast cancer. Doctors wanted to do surgery right away. But Dr. Deanna Attai with the Center for Breast Care suggested she do something else first. It gave Melanie relief.
Dr. Attai suggested Melanie undergo an automated whole breast ultrasound exam.
It's a procedure the FDA just approved for women with dense breasts.
The ultrasound is meant to be a follow up test. It's not a replacement for a mammogram.
40 percent of American women have dense breast tissue. The first step is to find out if you're one of them.
Having this new tool makes Melanie feel like she's in control.
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