Breast MRI
More than 275,000 women will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer in the United States this year, and over 40,000 will die from the disease. The American Cancer Society now recommends that women at a high-risk for breast cancer get a screening Breast MRI every year.
What is Breast MRI?
Compared to mammography and ultrasound, Breast MRI is a completely different way of looking at the breast. It is an advanced tool using MRI technology, sophisticated computers, and 3-D techniques that look deeply into the breast to discover abnormalities that might not be visible in other exams.
Who should get an annual screening Breast MRI?
- Women who have a BRCA gene mutation or have a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) with a BRCA mutation
- Women who received radiation treatment to the chest between the ages 10 and 30
- Women who have a rare medical condition linked to breast cancer, Li-Fraumeni,, Cowdon, or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndromes, or have a first-degree relative with one of these syndromes
- Women with a 20-25% or greater lifetime risk of developing breast cancer
Other reasons for getting a Breast MRI include: current breast cancer diagnosis, prior to breast cancer surgery, and to detect a breast implant leak.
What are the factors that contribute to my lifetime risk?
There are numerous factors that can contribute to a woman's lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. And some factors matter more than others. The best way to determine your own risk is to talk to your doctor. Rick factors include:
- Age - Risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. Majority of breast cancer cases occur in women over 50.
- Menstrual Periods - Women who started menstruating at an early age (before age 12) or who went through menopause at a late age (after age 55) have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer.
- Not Having Children (Or Having Them Later in Life) - Women who have had no children or who had their first child after age 30 have a slightly higher breast cancer risk.
- Genetic Risk Factors - The most common inherited mutations are those of the BRCA 1 and 2 genes. Other genes have also been discovered.
- Family History of Breast Cancer - Having one first-degree relative (mother, daughter, sister) with breast cancer approximately doubles a woman's risk.
- Personal History of Breast Cancer - A woman with cancer in one breast has a 3-4 fold increased risk of developing a new breast cancer.
- Previous Radiation Therapy to Chest - Women who, as children or young adults, had radiation therapy to the chest area as treatment for another cancer (such as Hodgkins disease) are at significantly increased risk.
- Oral Contraceptive Use - Studies suggest that women taking oral contraceptives have a slightly increased risk.
- Postmenopausal Hormone Therapy - Long-term use (several years or more) of combined postmenopausal hormone therapy increases the risk of breast cancer
- Alcohol Use - Use of alcohol is clearly linked to an increased risk of developing breast cancer. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed.
- Overweight / Obesity - Being overweight or obese has been found to increase breast cancer risk, especially for women after menopause.
- Physical Inactivity - Evidence is growing that physical activity in the form of exercise reduces breast cancer risk.
How do I know what my risk percentage is?
The best way to understand your own risk is to talk with your doctor. Your doctor will use a special risk-assessment tool to determine your lifetime risk. A helpful tool that you can use yourself is online at: http://www.cancer.gov/bcrisktool/. It is important that you discuss the results with your physician.
Do I still need to have a yearly mammogram if I get a Breast MRI?
Absolutely. A Breast MRI should not take the place of your annual mammogram. If you are at high-risk, you should have an annual Breast MRI in addition to your annual mammogram.
What should I expect when getting a Breast MRI?
The exam will be performed at the Martha Jefferson Hospital's Main Campus and will take about 30-45 minutes. Prior to the exam, an IV will be inserted into your arm to administer the contrast material. You will lie very still, face down with your breasts resting in a cushioned coil while you are moved in and out of the MRI machine. Halfway through the exam, you will receive a painless injection of contrast and more images will be taken.
If you are claustrophobic or anxious about your MRI exam, you may want to contact your physician at least two days prior to your appointment to obtain a prescription for a mild sedative.
After the exam is complete, the radiologist will read and interpret your MRI and your physician will be contacted with the results.
Scheduling a Breast MRI
If you would like to get a Breast MRI, please talk with your physician. Your physician's office will call Martha Jefferson's Medical Imaging Department at (434) 654-7130 to schedule the exam and send an order.
Most insurances are covering Breast MRIs for woman at high-risk for breast cancer. For certain patients, depending on their diagnosis and insurance, the exam may not be covered. Please check with your individual insurance company. Martha Jefferson has created a discount option for women whose insurance will not cover the exam. The cost of the exam is $1500, which includes the exam, contrast material, and radiologist interpretation.
Why Martha Jefferson?
Martha Jefferson has extensive experience in all facets of breast imaging and is proud to offer a comprehensive Breast MRI program with the most advanced technology currently available, including a high-field MRI machine, a special breast coil, and the ability to perform MRI-guided breast biopsies. Our integrated team of highly trained and specialized radiologists and breast surgeons have extensive experience in breast imaging and minimally invasive breast biopsy procedures. Martha Jefferson's dedicated breast technology and expertise in breast imaging allows for superior screening and diagnostic capabilities for the Charlottesville community.