American Cancer society issued new guidelines to the women who are at risk of developing Breast Cancer. 1.4 million US women (Breast cancer risk cases) should get annual MRI as well as mammograms as per new guidelines. Women who have cancer diagnosed in one breast should get an MRI in the other breast. Reason: MRI scans revealed cancers in the opposite breast that were missed by ordinary Mammograms in 3% of cancer survivors. MRI should be done for the following women along with Mammogram:  1. symptomless women age 30 and older who have a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes 2. Those who were treated for Hodgkin's disease 3. Those with a strong family history of the disease, such as women with two or more close relatives who had breast or ovarian cancer or who have a close relative who developed breast cancer before age 50.  MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): It makes more detailed images with a magnet and radio waves but without radiation. MRI detects cancer better than mammogram in women with dense, non-fatty breasts. MRIs are better at showing increased or abnormal blood flow in the breast, a sign of early cancers not visible on a mammogram But MRI screening is not being recommended for most women. One reason is the test's error rate, which can lead to unnecessary biopsies. Another is the high cost. While a mammogram costs roughly $100 to $150, an MRI can cost $2,000 or more at some medical centres.  Mammography: Mammography is the usual screening test used by doctors for detecting breast masses or tumours. Mammograms spot calcium deposits in the breast better than MRIs do. Breast MRIs should be done at places that do biopsies as well. Biopsy is the confirmatory test. Only downside is MRI gives more false positive results than Mammogram that will result in more economical and psychological burden on the patient and her family.  Conclusion:  Women at high risk of developing Breast cancer should have done their MRI along with Mammogram.  … [Read more...]