Automated Breast Ultrasound versus Handheld Ultrasound for Screening of Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Ultrasound has been used in screening of breast cancer. Handheld ultrasound (HHUS) is operator-dependent and lacks acquisition standardization, while automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) provides reproducible three-dimensional datasets and standardized image acquisition. Although both modalities may be used in breast cancer screening, their comparative effectiveness in detecting breast cancer and their impact on screening performance metrics remain unclear. A systematic review is necessary to inform screening practice and policy.