Albany Med in­tro­duces machine to detect breast cancer

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Albany Medical Center is excited about a new machine they say will help better detect breast cancer.

40% of women have dense breast tissue. That makes it difficult for doctors to see signs of breast cancer in regular mammograms. Women with dense breast tissue are also four to six times more likely to develop breast cancer.

The automated whole breast ultrasound (ABUS) is the only FDA approved machine of its kind in the capital region. Those at Albany Med are expected to be fully trained by the end of the week.

"Women are now looking for more personalized approach to breast screening and ABUS allows us to do that," says John Scieszka, GE Healthcare Product Sales Specialist.

"I think it's really going to help us detect extra breast cancers and help save lives," says Beth Whiteside, MD, the Breast Center Medical Director.

An open house will be held at the Albany Medical Center's Breast Center from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday.