If you have already been diagnosed with breast cancer then you should consider having an MRI Scan (magnetic resonance imaging) in addition to your mammogram. A new study has found that an
MRI scan has picked up 3 percent of cancers missed by a mammogram.
And the American Cancer Society is encouraging women who are high-risk to have an MRI scan in addition to a mammogram, especially those women with a known genetic mutation that increases the risk of breast cancer.
New Guidelines for an Annual MRI Scan in Addition to an Annual Mammogram for
Women Who:• Have a BRCA 1 or 2 mutation, or are untested for these mutations but have a first-degree relative with a BRCA 1 or 2 mutation
• Have a lifetime breast cancer risk higher than 20 percent (ask your doctor to assess your risk using standard risk assessment tools)
• Have a known genetic mutation in the TP53 or PTEN genes or have a first-degree relative with either mutation
• If you've received radiation treatment to the chest between the ages of 10-30.
High risk women represent only about 2 percent of the entire U.S. population that means for the majority of women, these guidelines would not be applicable. An annual mammogram would be sufficient for screening of breast cancer.
So if you are a woman and afraid that you might have breast cancer or might get breast cancer, but aren't at high risk, you should remember that a mammogram is an exceptional diagnostic tool and will provide you with accurate results. You should still go in for an annual exam. If you are interested in an MRI Scan you should consult with a physician in your area today to see if this is something that would benefit you.
