April 18, 2008 – Based on recent data, screening MRI is appropriate as an adjunct to mammography, clinical breast examination and ultrasonography for breast cancer detection in women at high risk of breast cancer, according to the American Society of Breast Disease's Consensus Committee.
Revised guidelines issued by the American Cancer Society recommend annual MRI screening based on evidence to include: BRCA mutation, first-degree relatives of BRCA carriers who are untested and women with a lifetime risk of about 20-20 percent or greater as defined by BRCAPRO or other models that are largely dependent on family history.
The committee's full statement addresses areas where expert consensus opinion exists and where there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend for or against MRI screening.
Although data has not yet determined the appropriate screening interval for breast MRI, it appears appropriate to perform breast MRI in conjunction with mammography on an annual basis. Examinations may be performed on the same day or different days. Some have preferred mammography and MRI to be alternated at 6-month intervals although there are no data to confirm a benefit for this approach.
For more information: www.asbd.org
