Regular MRIs as Standard Care for at Risk Women (and Men)

NSJ2

Regular MRIs as Standard Care for at Risk Women (and Men)

NSJ2

I haven't asked my surgeon this yet, but does anyone know if a regular MRI (annual or semi-annual) is considered standard care for someone that has had BC?

She did mention regular semi-annual Mammos, but I'm wondering about MRIs as well?

lane4

NSJ2 - I'm curious to see the replies you will get to your question. My surgeon recommends 6-month alternating mammos and MRIs for me because in his words, my risk for another breast cancer is "very high." I am BRCA negative, but have an "extensive" (surgeon's word) family history and I never had children. I was 48 when diagnosed with DCIS, but I am now post-menopausal and my breasts are not as dense as they once were. I have not come to the point where I'm willing to do MRIs every year for a few reasons, one being the enormous out-of-pocket cost. The other being that every breast MRI I've had has found something that required either a second-look ultrasound, a short interval repeat, or a biopsy. The last one I had resulted in a biopsy that revealed fat necrosis. So at this point, I am in conflict about annual MRI. My BS told me that his plan of alternating mammos and MRIs could mean a diagnosis that is 6 months to a year earlier than it would be otherwise, which could be significant. I can see his reasoning and I do believe he has my best interests in mind. You have to accept that MRI's are very sensitive and can result in some unneccessary and possibly anxiety-producing tests.

ej01

I was told i would be getting 6 month mamo's on my DCIS side, along with ultrasound because I have dense breasts.  The doctors are not recommending MRI for me.  My non-DCIS side gets annual mamos. (i think with Ultrasounds, but not sure).

BLinthedesert

I am getting annual mammogram/ultrasound (diagnostic ultrasounds) on both sides.  No MRIs. I do have alternating visits with my RO and BS every 6 months for manual exam.  

I have a follow-up MRI for a suspicious MRI that I had (on my good side) just before my lumpectomy, but I am assuming that it will be all good, and then I am  not planning on any more MRIs ... hopefully ever ;-) - unless I injure myself running. 

edited to add: I have family history - 2nd degree relative with BC at 27, am premenopausual, and have extremely dense breasts.  My DCIS was also detected manually (with a mass).  As of right now the NCCN guidelines suggest 6 month manual exam, and annual mammogram, but physicians adapt as they feel necessary.  MRI's are not standard-of-care, for all the points already listed (high false-positive rate, and expensive).

BLinthedesert

Current NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) guidelines for surveillence can be found here  and links of guidelines from across the globe can be found here