MRI or magnetic resonance imaging uses radio waves and magnetic fields to provide images of organs and other internal structures that may not be clearly seen with other tools like X-ray or CT. In recent years, doctors have begun to explore its benefit in screening women with a higher risk of breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the 2nd most common cause of cancer death in women. In 2013, there were 232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer, 64,640 new cases of carcinoma insitu and 39,620 breast cancer related deaths.
“Every woman should begin screening mammograms at age 40 and continue them as long as they are in good health. –American Cancer Society”
Why is MRI recommended for high risk women?
MRI has a 91% better sensitivity for identifying cancerous breast masses when compared to traditional mammography. So why isn’t it used for everyone? In reality, most women with an average risk of the disease will only need a mammogram. This way, the sensitivity of the test will not identify benign lesions or other spots that could raise the risk for additional testing, biopsies and unnecessary fear. MRI diagnostics are reserved for women with the highest risk of the disease and therefore need the most sensitive screening tools available.
Screening mammograms, while beneficial for many women, can be less specific or sensitive for women with complicating factors like dense breast tissue when used alone. Some specific types of breast cancer, such as lobular carcinoma may be difficult to visualize with traditional screening mammography as well. Other factors that can classify a woman as high risk for breast cancer include:
- Women with a known or suspected BRC1 or BRC2 genetic mutation
- A history of chest radiation therapy between the ages of 10 and 30
- Women with a greater than 20% risk of developing breast cancer
- Women with a personal history of invasive/in situ carcinoma
- Women with a personal history of lobular neoplasia or atypical hyperplasia
- Women with a 15-20% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer
- Age
- Body mass index (BMI)
- Hormonal factors
- Hereditary factors (including cancers in first and second degree relatives)