Breast MRI screening in very-high-risk women

What it is

The screening test for breast cancer is mammography, in women 40-74 yrs, varies by guideline, every 1-2 years. MRI is not that test. MRI of the breasts should be reserved for women at very high risk for breast cancer.

Who counts as very high risk

Very high risk means:

• Genetic mutations
• A history of breast irradiation
• A very high-risk family history

Women who had chest radiation therapy during childhood or adolescence, generally for Hodgkin's disease, are at an extremely high risk for breast cancer.