We have mentioned in the past that the breast MRI is gaining attention as an important preventive imaging procedure for women who are at risk of breast cancer. A new study goes so far as to suggest that some women should consider getting the breast MRI as part of their annual breast exam.
The study is based on research which looked at the effectiveness of mammograms, ultrasounds and the breast MRI in locating breats cancer tumors. At the end of the study, it was found that there was only a minor difference between the mammogram and ultrasound. (The mammogram was slightly better at detecting malignancy.) However, there was a thirty percent difference in favor or the ability of the breast MRI to detect problems.
The breast MRI isn't recommended for everyone. However, women over the age of 35 that are considered high risk should think about asking their doctors whether the breast MRI is important.
Question of the Day: What would be your reason for or against adding the breast MRI to your annual exam?
