A breast MRI represents a significant advancement in medical technology, serving as an essential screening tool for patients identified as high-risk for breast cancer. These MRIs provide radiologists with more detailed information and are effective at detecting cancers that traditional mammograms may miss. If a patient is diagnosed with cancer, a breast MRI can help evaluate the full extent of the disease, including whether it has spread to other areas.
When a Breast MRI Is Recommended
A Breast MRI is recommended for women with a high lifetime risk of breast cancer (20% or greater). This includes women with specific genetic mutations, a personal history of radiation to the chest before the age of 30, or a personal history of breast cancer before the age of 50.
Here is an overview of who should get a Breast MRI:
- Significant family history of breast cancer: a patient with one or more first-degree relatives or two or more secondary/tertiary relatives with breast cancer histories.
- Genetic mutation carriers: Women with inherited gene mutations, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, those with a family history of breast cancer, and first-degree relatives of individuals with a known mutation.
- Chest radiation history: Women who have experienced chest radiation between the ages of 10 and 30 are at a higher risk of breast cancer.
- Personal history of breast cancer: Women who previously had breast cancer before the age of 50.
- Dense breast with other risk factors: A high-risk breast MRI may also be an option for women with dense breasts who also have other risk factors.
Understanding Factors that Influence Risk for Breast Cancer
Several factors influence the risk of breast cancer. Knowing these factors can help you be proactive about your breast health. Here are a few factors that influence the risk of breast cancer:
Set factors
Factors that are not influenced by lifestyle or diet:
- Age: The risk of breast cancer increases with age, with most cases diagnosed after 50.
- Gender: Individuals assigned female at birth have a higher risk of breast cancer.
- Genetic mutations: Inherited genetic mutations significantly increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Dense breast tissue: Dense breasts have more fibrous and glandular tissue than fatty tissue, which is a risk factor for breast cancer. Dense breasts also make it more challenging to detect tumors on a mammogram.
- Family history: Having a close relative with breast cancer increases the risk, especially if they were diagnosed at a young age.
Modifiable factors
Here are some risk factors influenced by lifestyle and diet:
- Alcohol use: Drinking alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese, particularly after menopause, can increase breast cancer risk
- Hormone exposure: Using combined hormone replacement therapy after menopause increases the risk of breast cancer. Additionally, some birth control pills can raise your risk of breast cancer, but the risk decreases after you stop taking them.
- Diet: Eating a diet high in saturated fats while also lacking fruits and vegetables.
- Exposure to chemicals: Being exposed to certain chemicals in products, such as hair dyes, cosmetics, and pesticides.
Do You Need a Breast MRI: Questions and Concerns to Discuss with Your Physician
A Breast MRI is a supplemental screening for women with an elevated risk of breast cancer. To determine whether you need a Breast MRI, it’s best to consult your physician to discuss specific risk factors and assess whether a Breast MRI is the best option for you.
To help open the discussion with your physician, here are a few questions to ask regarding Breast MRI:
- Why is an MRI recommended for me?
- Assess your personal and family history,
- Possibly run a formal risk-assessment model,
- Decide if you’re in a “high-risk” category that benefits from MRI + mammogram screening,
- Talk with you about the benefits and downsides (false positives, cost/insurance, etc.).
Contact The Breast Center of Maple Grove Today
The Breast Center of Maple Grove is committed to providing care for your breast health. Whether you’re interested in screening and diagnostic services, biopsy, or surgical support, our care team is here to assist.
We offer Breast MRI screening in Maple Grove in a technologically advanced facility. Contact The Breast Center of Maple Grove today to learn more or schedule an appointment.
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