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MRI The Facts

Response from the Westmead Breast Cancer Institute

Recently there was a study released on MRI vs. mammography, which has featured in the media. This article is a response provided by the Westmead Breast Cancer Institute and the Cancer Institute NSW.

 

Mammography:
  • Mammography is the ‘gold standard’ method of screening in Australia.
  • Mammography is clinically proven to be the most effective way of detecting breast cancer in women aged 50-69.
  • All women aged 50-69 years should have a mammogram every two years.
  • Mammography screening and better treatments have resulted in an 18% decrease in breast cancer death rates over the last decade.
  • It is clinically proven that mammography is an effective population based screening tool.
  • BreastScreen NSW provides a free screening service to women aged 50-69 years, as well as to women aged over 40 years.
  • The NSW Government rollout of digital mammography will improve the ability of radiologists to detect smaller invasive cancers, especially in younger women.
  • The NSW Government is spending $26 million over the next three years to roll out digital mammography technology – the first state in Australia to roll this improved technology out system wide.
 MRI:
  • The study reported in the Lancet does not look at malignant or invasive cancer, only at DCIS – which is the step before cancer.
  • For as many advantages of MRI, there are disadvantages of a higher rate of false-positive detections – meaning unnecessary biopsies and pain for women, which can actually discourage subsequent screening appointments.
  • Proponents of MRI need to conduct further studies to understand if the technology would be effective on a population screening basis. This will require clinical trials in population screening.
  • The NSW Breast Cancer Institute, which manages BreastScreen Greater Western Sydney, is currently undertaking research into the role of MRI for women with breast cancer.
  • The cost of breast MRI ranges from approximately $400 to $1000 depending on the centre.
Last Updated on Tuesday, 09 February 2010 12:09