At the risk of sounding immodest, I like to believe that part of my success as a technology journalist over the past decade – the scope of which has grown exponentially in the four years I’ve been writing this chronic – lies in my direct and inextricable link with the problems I deal with. blanket. As a lifelong disabled person, this lived experience means that accessibility and assistive technology transcend mere interest in the subject. I to use this thing to navigate my devices – and the outside world – and survive, day after day. Plus, I’m exactly the kind of customers like Apple, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft who try to include and empathize with them. As a journalist, I not only try to stay on top of the news, but the articles I write are infused with every ounce of my expertise here.
So is the Santa Monica-based ultrasound clinic SonoSeins. SonoBreasts’ focus is on accessibility, which has deeper meaning for me on a personal level. My mother died in 1998 after years of battling breast cancer; I was 16 and had just finished my sophomore year of high school. When I learned of the company’s mission to improve early detection of cancer, it was a pitch I was more than ready to accept immediately. On its website, SonoBreasts claims its clinic is the only one in the Los Angeles area to have a SonoCiné. Automated whole breast ultrasound.
SonoBreasts describes SonoCiné as “a fast, comfortable, automated whole-breast ultrasound that detects breast cancer masses as small as 3 millimeters by scanning the lymph nodes to the chest wall,” while adding “the SonoBreasts team uses radiation-free breast cancer screening.” tool to detect breast cancer at earlier, more treatable stages, saving countless lives. In addition to breast ultrasounds, SonoBreasts offers pelvic ultrasounds, thyroid ultrasounds and general ultrasounds.
In an email interview this week, SonoBreasts founder Jasmine Khorsandi, herself an ultrasound sonographer, explained that she was drawn to medicine after spending her education surrounded by medical professionals. Being a surgeon did not suit her. Khorsandi wanted to make a contribution to the healthcare sector that “fitted with my holistic beliefs and desire to minimize harm.” Additionally, she has certification in Sacred Fire Reiki And Sound Healing. Khorsandi said these are ways in which she is “constantly expanding her skills to facilitate holistic healing for women.”
As for SonoBreasts, Khorsandi was drawn to mammography in part because she witnessed the “inadequacies and gaps in early detection” of conventional mammograms, telling me that the Western world does not emphasize the recommendation of ultrasounds alongside mammograms because “they are often not recommended.” This does not reveal any anomalies that may be present. This gap in breast cancer detection alarmed Khorsandi about what she playfully called “boobdemics,” telling me there were 3,100 deaths from late-detected or missed breast cancers. These are the factors that motivated Khorsandi’s “determination to act.”
“Our medical system is broken. It sometimes neglects preventive measures, leaving individuals dependent on reactive healthcare rather than prioritizing proactive measures for their well-being. My goal is to empower individuals to take charge of their health, encouraging a proactive approach to preventive medicine and self-care,” said Khorsandi. “For me, this mission goes beyond the diagnosis of diseases; it’s about instilling a culture of self-love and self-care, recognizing that health is the cornerstone of a fulfilling life. It is about enabling individuals to advocate for their well-being, without waiting for a diagnosis, but by actively engaging in preventative measures. Essentially, my inspiration stems from a deep commitment to addressing the flaws in conventional healthcare, providing women with an alternative that not only improves the accuracy of breast cancer detection, but also fosters an environment conducive to holistic healing and proactive wellness practices.
Khorsandi called the SonoCiné technology “innovative” for two reasons: it is comfortable for the patient and accurate for the clinician. That’s important, she added, because mammograms “miss nearly 50 percent of breast cancers in women with dense breast tissue” despite the procedure’s prevalence. Additionally, mammograms are often painful and uncomfortable, due to the constant pressure and pulling. SonoCiné can detect tumors as small as the size of a sesame seed. “SonoCiné represents a revolutionary advancement in breast cancer screening, providing a patient-centered approach that prioritizes accuracy, comfort and precision in detecting potential health problems,” said Khorsandi.
The actual process involves the patient lying down on what Khorsandi described as a “warm spa bed.” A warm gel is then applied to the breast tissue, which contributes to a more soothing experience. The screening itself is performed via a robotic machine that Khorsandi says “uses cutting-edge technology to scan and capture 3,000 remarkable images of breast tissue and lymph nodes,” also eliminating uncomfortable sensations.
“The magic of SonoCiné lies in its ability to compile these sequential images into a continuous, dynamic, film-like format. This compilation of images creates a real-time visualization of breast tissue, presenting a more complete and detailed overview for the examining radiologist,” Khorsandi said. “Compared to portable ultrasound systems which typically offer a limited number of images (typically 3-4), SonoCiné’s expanded imaging significantly reduces the risk of human error, which often occurs due to the limited perspectives provided by static images . The reliance on technician-dependent interpretation in handheld ultrasounds is replaced by SonoCiné’s automated, comprehensive imaging process, improving the accuracy and reliability of breast cancer detection.
According to the SonoBreasts website, patients not need a prescription to make an appointment. The treatment takes only 10 to 15 minutes, and patients receive results “within a week.” For an urgent need, SonoBreasts will refer you to its surgeon, who can relay the results of the biopsy to you within 48 hours.
The feedback on SonoBreasts has been “incredibly encouraging,” according to Khorsandi. Patients say they love the spa-like ambiance, which Khorsandi says sets SonoBreasts apart from traditional clinical environments. They also like the dedicated meditation room and tea room. Some visit and stay for two hours. (This is not my mother’s mammogram room.)
“Our commitment to a warm, welcoming atmosphere has resonated deeply. Patients find comfort in our supportive community, forming new connections and feeling part of a caring family. We strive to hold their hand at every step, ensuring that they never feel lost in the complexities of the medical system,” Khorsandi said. “They cherish the personal touch – it’s not just about diagnoses; it’s about creating a safe space where our patients truly feel holistically cared for. The healthcare system can be overwhelming, and my job , learn about “ Your cancer condition can be intimidating. We hold our patients’ hands every step of the way. “
When asked about her future hopes and dreams, Khorsandi responded unequivocally that continuing her education was very valuable to her. She wants to advocate for women to be screened earlier, and ultimately, their daughters to teach them the importance of breast cancer screening. In a word, she wants to give women the means to take control of their bodies and their health. Khorsandi doesn’t believe Breast Cancer Awareness Month should be limited to the month of October, due to daily stressors and environmental changes that contribute to “an increasing incidence of breast cancer,” even among young people . It’s a reality that “calls for action, awareness, and a community-centered approach to healing.”
“I am so passionate because every SonoBreasts appointment could save lives. Lives could have been saved if ultrasound examinations had been used earlier, thus avoiding tragedy in women’s lives,” Khorsandi said. “Dense breast tissue is rarely discussed. Awareness is essential; people need to know. This is where SonoBreasts shines: a beacon of education, not only for women but for generations to come. It’s about saving lives and inspiring change on a global scale.
She continued, “I am dedicated to creating a sacred space where healing begins upon arrival, a haven that embraces holistic healing on all levels: physical, emotional and spiritual. Our center transcends a simple clinical space; it is a sanctuary that promotes connections and well-being. We offer a serene tea room, calming sound baths and access to international healers, fostering a community where healing happens organically. We now even offer organic breast massage oil to continue your care at home. In our Spanish-style oasis, we aim to reignite the light in every person, combating the isolation and depression that weaken our immune systems. Integrating Reiki treatments into my practice further deepens the holistic healing experience. This space is more than a hub: it is a union, a collective of goddesses, and a tribe that supports your transformative journey to holistic wellness.
Khorsandi wants SonoBreasts to revolutionize breast health for everyone.
“I strive to bring about a fundamental change in the way we approach breast health (empowering women through) through education, a change in screenings and a community model that recognizes cancer breast cancer as a constant concern and not as a monthly campaign,” she said. . “It’s time for change, for light (and) a future where breast cancer does not kill needlessly.”
