For those with a family history of breast cancer or certain genetic markers, a personalized screening plan provides the most effective approach—offering greater peace of mind and proactive care.
At The Breast Center of Maple Grove, we are dedicated to helping you understand your unique risk profile. Our goal is to replace anxiety with empowerment, providing expert care in a setting that feels more like a spa than a medical facility.
Understanding Genetic Risk
When we talk about “high-risk” individuals, we are often looking at genetic factors. While most breast cancers occur in women with no family history, hereditary factors do play a significant role for some. The most well-known factors are mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
If you have close relatives (such as a mother, sister, or daughter) who have been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, especially at a young age, it is important to discuss your family history with your healthcare provider. Genetic counseling and risk assessments can help determine if you carry these gene mutations. Knowing your genetic status allows us to tailor a high-risk breast cancer screening plan specifically for you.
The Role of Breast MRI in Screening
For women at average risk, we recommend a mammogram every year beginning at age 40. However, for women with a high lifetime risk of breast cancer, breast imaging needs to be more comprehensive. This is where Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (BMRI) comes in.
A BMRI uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed, cross-sectional images of the breast tissue. Unlike mammography, it does not use radiation. MRIs are exceptionally sensitive and can often detect abnormalities that might not be visible on a standard mammogram.
It is important to note that for high-risk patients, an MRI is typically used in addition to your annual mammogram, not as a replacement. The two technologies work together to provide the most complete picture of your breast health.
Who Should Consider High-Risk Breast MRI?
Determining if you are a candidate for high-risk breast MRI is a conversation to have with your doctor. Generally, advanced screening is recommended for women who:
- Have a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.
- Have a first-degree relative with a BRCA mutation, even if they have not been tested themselves.
- have a lifetime risk of breast cancer of 20% or greater, according to risk assessment tools. We recommend the IBIS calculator, which can be found at https://magview.com/ibis-risk-calculator/
- Have a history of radiation therapy to the chest area at a young age.
Additionally, Breast MRI screening for dense breasts is a topic of growing importance. Dense breast tissue can sometimes make it harder to spot abnormalities on a mammogram. If you have dense tissue and other risk factors, your provider might suggest incorporating Breast MRI screening to ensure nothing is missed.
A Positive, Comfortable Experience
“High-risk screening” can sound intimidating, and that is why The Breast Center of Maple Grove has worked hard to create an environment that fosters comfort and calm. We are a diagnostic center, not a cancer clinic, and our focus is on early detection and wellness.
When you visit us, whether for a routine exam or a Breast MRI, you will be treated with the utmost care. We offer a safe, respectful environment complete with plush warm robes, private lockers, and a spa-like setting. We want you to feel relaxed and cared for from the moment you walk through our doors.
Many of our patients even choose to make their screening appointments a “Girls Night Out,” coming in with friends or family members to support one another before enjoying a meal nearby. Taking care of your health should be a positive, affirming experience.
Specialized Care Close to Home
Navigating high-risk breast cancer screening doesn’t mean you have to travel far. We offer specialized care in a technologically advanced facility right here in Maple Grove, fostering close partnerships with area physicians to ensure your care is seamless.
If you have questions about your family history or want to learn more about Breast MRI, we are here to help. By understanding your genetics and utilizing the best breast cancer screening tools available, we can work together to protect your health.
Image credit: // Shutterstock // SeventyFour