Patterns of Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging Use: An Opportunity for Data-Driven Resource Allocation

Both the American Cancer Society¹ and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network² have published guidelines on the recommended use of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In both sets of guidelines, lifetime breast cancer risk greater than 20% has been established as an acceptable threshold for annual MRI screening when used together with annual mammography screening. Routine breast MRI screening is not recommended for a new cancer diagnosis or for cancer surveillance.

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November 19, 2013

Benefits of screening for breast cancer with MRI

David L. Keller, M.D. | Disabled internist

1) The high prices charged by hospitals for MRI exams are not intrinsically necessary. The regular cash price for a non-contrast 3 Tesla brain MRI, including all physician and facility charges, is $350 at a local for-profit imaging center (1). The local non-profit hospitals charge far more for the same examination. 2) Younger women have a higher content of glandular breast tissue, which is sensitive to the ionizing radiation exposure with mammography. They also have more expected years of lifespan during which to develop radiation-induced breast malignancies. 3) Many women are not compliant with screening mammography due to the pain caused by the compression of the breast glandular tissues. Again, younger women are more affected by this pain, and have more quality-adjusted life years to lose by not screening. Breast MRI is not painful.4) The increased sensitivity of breast MRI, even at the expense of reduced specificity, is compatible with the purpose of a screening exam. When screening for cancer, a false-positive can be addressed with further testing, but the harm caused by a false-negative often cannot be mitigated. The harms caused by a false-positive cancer screening test can be controlled if the informed patient chooses watchful waiting rather than an immediate invasive biopsy.Women who refuse screening mammography due to pain or the wish to avoid ionizing radiation to their breasts should be informed of these issues and offered screening with MRI.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST: None Reported

Patterns of Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging Use: An Opportunity for Data-Driven Resource Allocation

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