Mammogram or MRI?

In Most Cases, MRI Not Indicated for Breast Cancer Screening

Q: I'm still getting yearly screening mammograms, but I heard that breast MRIs are better at detecting breast cancer and have a lower radiation level than mammograms.

Should I start getting yearly MRIs instead?

A: Breast MRIs have very limited indications and have not been approved as a screening modality for most patients.

Screening MRIs are only indicated for those who are considered very high risk. You are considered high risk if you have a known gene mutation that significantly increases the risk for breast cancer (BRCA 1 or 2), if you are a probable carrier of this gene because of family history, or if you have a calculated lifetime risk of breast cancer greater than 20-25% (this is something your doctor can calculate for you).

"For most women at high risk, screening with MRI and mammograms should begin at age 30 years and continue for as long as a woman is in good health," according to the American Cancer Society. "But because the evidence is limited regarding the best age at which to start screening, this decision should be based on shared decision making between patients and their health providers, taking into account personal circumstances and preferences."
courtesy of www.healthlink.com.