Who needs a breast MRI and why?

Scan type: Breast MRI
Referral: Usually required from a GP or consultant
Preferred clinic location: Nationwide coverage
Date &amp; time: Select what works best for you ‍
Payment: Secure online booking with clear upfront pricing

A breast MRI is usually recommended for women at high risk of breast cancer, or when mammogram or ultrasound findings need further clarification.

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Follow-up explanation

Breast MRI is an advanced imaging test that uses magnetic resonance technology to create highly detailed images of breast tissue. It is not a routine screening tool for everyone, but it is reserved for situations where its sensitivity provides significant clinical benefit.

Common reasons for a breast MRI include:

High-risk screening: Women with a strong family history of breast cancer or known genetic mutations (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2) may be advised to have regular breast MRIs alongside mammograms.
Problem-solving after other scans: If a mammogram or ultrasound shows something unclear, a breast MRI can provide a clearer picture.
Assessing cancer extent: For women already diagnosed with breast cancer, MRI can help determine the size of the tumour and whether it has spread within the breast.
Monitoring treatment response: MRI may be used to check how well chemotherapy or other therapies are working before surgery.
Implant evaluation: Breast MRI is also highly effective at detecting implant rupture or complications.

Why breast MRI matters?

Because MRI is more sensitive than mammography or ultrasound, it can detect cancers that other methods may miss. However, it can also show findings that are not cancer, which sometimes leads to extra tests. That is why it is reserved for higher-risk patients or specific clinical needs rather than routine screening.