ACR Updates Supplemental Breast Screening Tool Guidelines

Women at higher risk for breast cancer: Consider breast MRI, in conjunction with mammography.

The American College of Radiology (ACR) has updated its supplemental breast screening guidelines to now recommend a breast MRI in conjunction with screening mammography for women at an increased risk for breast cancer.

“As an ACR Breast Imaging Center of Excellence, Riverside follows the most current breast cancer screening guidelines to ensure patients receive the knowledge they need to make informed health care decisions,” said Allison Heil, breast imaging supervisor.

The ACR names several factors for increasing a woman’s risk for developing breast cancer, including: Family history of breast cancer; already having an incidence of breast cancer; genetic mutations, such as the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation; family member who is a genetic mutation carrier, and you remain untested; high-risk results from past breast biopsies; previously treated with radiation on the chest area; and dense breast tissue. Women who have any of these risk factors should talk with their primary care provider about considering a breast MRI as a supplemental screening tool with mammography.

“It is important to note mammography remains the gold standard for breast cancer imaging,” said Niketa Kataria, MD, Riverside radiologist. “Supplemental screening, like a breast MRI, should be considered as an additional screening to mammography and not an alternative, for women at an increased risk of developing breast cancer.”

Riverside reminds the community that one-in-eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime and, according to the National Institutes of Health, 80-to-85 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease.

It is recommended women receive yearly mammograms beginning at age 40, unless they have additional risk factors that increase their likelihood of developing breast cancer.

“Women should talk with their primary care providers to determine the best breast cancer screening plan for them,” noted Dr. Kataria, “When caught early, breast cancer is often treatable – a screening could save your life.”