Should I add Breast MRI to my annual screening program?

For early breast cancer detection, the American Cancer Society recommends women at high risk should get an screening MRI and a mammogram every year. In addition, women at moderately increased risk should talk with their doctors about the benefits of adding MRI screening to their yearly mammogram.*

Women at high risk include those who:

  • have a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation
  • have a first-degree relative (parent, brother, sister, or child) with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, and have not had genetic testing themselves
  • have a lifetime risk of breast cancer of 20% to 25% or greater, according to risk assessment tools that are based mainly on family history*
  • had radiation therapy to the chest when they were between the ages of 10 and 30 years
  • have Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome, or have one of these syndromes in first-degree relatives

Women at moderately increased risk include those who:

  • have a lifetime risk of breast cancer of 15% to 20%, according to risk assessment tools that are based mainly on family history*
  • have a personal history of breast cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), or atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH)
  • have extremely dense breasts or unevenly dense breasts when viewed by mammograms

Women who have had augmentation:

  • Breast with significant scar tissue
  • Silicone implants to screen for silent rupture

Additional risk factors:

  • An immediate family history of breast, ovarian or prostate cancer
  • Early onset of menstrual periods
  • Late birth of first child or no children

For most women at high risk, screening with MRI and mammograms should begin at age 30 years and continue for as long as a woman is in good health.

For scheduling or for more information please Sandra O'Neal Institute at 972-733-3531 or fax 972-346-6564. Our doors are open for evaluation and treatment today.

* to learn more about your risk level, please consult with your doctor.

Copyright 2017. Sandra O'Neal Institute of North Texas
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