Two new studies have confirmed that breast MRIs can find tumors that go undetected by mammograms. The studies involved pre- and postmenopausal women who had already been diagnosed with breast cancer, and who had different types of the disease. Since breast cancer is usually more aggressive in younger women, an MRI that detects all possible cancer sites would improve survival rates and make treatments more efficient and effective. Both young and old women would benefit, in the case that cancer is found in both breasts. “Patients can have treatment for both breast cancers simultaneously rather than the physical and psychological trauma of having a contralateral cancer detected years later,” said Dr. Johnny Bernard Jr., of Mayo Clinic. Dr. Laura Vallow, who led the Mayo Clinic study agreed that magnetic resonance imaging scans need to be “faster, cheaper, more accessible, and uniform across institutions,” before breast MRI replaces mammograms. She recommends that breast MRIs be done only at clinics with the capability to do MRI-guided biopsy, so that the screening does not have to be repeated.

• MRI detects cancers missed by mammography in breast cancer patients
• Mammography and Breast MRIs Compared