Breast MRI: reducing the risk of breast cancer

Breast MRI in the women, mothers and children department

What is a breast MRI?

L'Breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a non-irradiating, non-invasive examination that enables precise measurement of lesion volume.

Breast MRI, also known as Breast MRIis an examination used to detect breast cancer. It can also help rule out breast cancer when there are other breast problems.

A breast MRI provides images of the inside of the breast. It uses powerful magnets, radio waves and a computer to create highly detailed images.

We recommend the creation of a Breast MRI after a biopsy has revealed the presence of cancer. Breast MRI can be used to visualize the extent of the cancer, or to detect a problem in the other breast.

Breast MRI can also be used alongside mammography as a screening tool for breast cancer in certain individuals. This includes people at high risk of breast cancer, as well as those with a strong family history of breast cancer or genetic mutations in breast cancer that run in the family, known as hereditary.

Why have a breast MRI?

Breast MRI is an examination that allows lesions and tissues to be characterized, and is highly effective in detecting breast cancer, particularly in women with breast implants or dense breasts.

It is also a non-ionizing, non-invasive examination for the patient. It is also used to diagnose breast cancer.

What are the most common reasons for having this examination?

L'Breast MRI is prescribed in a variety of cases, the most common of which are..:

Women at high risk of cancer, especially those with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
Women with cancer, to assess the local extension of tumors and lesions. It can also be used to evaluate potential treatments or guide planned therapies.
Women whose breasts are too dense to perceive a clear image during mammography
Women with lesions that cannot be characterized by an ultrasound ultrasound or mammography. Its prescription then helps to provide additional information for a more accurate assessment.
Women with a history of breast changes that may lead to cancer, a strong family history of breast cancer and dense breast tissue. Breast changes can include the accumulation of abnormal cells in the breast, called atypical hyperplasia, or unusual cells in the mammary glands, called lobular carcinoma in situ.
Women who have already had cancer to monitor the risk of recurrence
Women with breast implants to assess their condition
Women with bloody or black nipple discharge from one breast, with normal mammographic and ultrasound findings.

In high-risk women, breast MRI may be prescribed once a year, at the same time as the screening mammogram. Very high-risk women may be screened every 6 months, either by breast MRI or mammography.

What is breast cancer?

A breast cancer develops when cancerous cells form in the skin. breast tissue and can spread to neighboring lymph nodes.

Breast cancer is the leading cancer among women in Europe, and the leading cause of cancer-related death, with some 530,000 new cases each year and some 140,000 deaths. But breast cancer doesn't just affect women. Everyone is born with some breast tissue, which means that anyone can develop breast cancer.

Survival rates for breast cancer have increased. And the number of people dying from breast cancer is steadily falling. Much of this improvement is due to widespread support for breast cancer awareness and research funding.

Advances in breast cancer screening are enabling healthcare professionals to diagnose breast cancer earlier. Detecting cancer earlier greatly increases the chances of a cure. Even when breast cancer cannot be cured, many treatments are available to prolong life. New discoveries in breast cancer research help healthcare professionals choose the most effective treatment plans.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

Symptoms of breast cancer can manifest themselves in different ways, including :

A mass or area of thickened skin that stands out from the rest of the breast tissue.
A nipple that becomes flat or retracts inward.
Changes in breast skin color. In light-skinned people, the skin may take on a pink or red hue. In dark-skinned people, the complexion of the breast may be darker than that of the rest of the chest, or show red or purple hues.
Variations in breast size, shape or appearance.
Changes to the skin of the breast, such as dimpling or an orange peel appearance.
Scaling, crusting or dandruff on the skin of the breast.

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Mammary MRI RDV

Make an appointment for a breast MRI in one of our centers:

MRI Bachaumont 75002

IRM Pôle Santé Bergère 75009

MRI Blomet 75015

Make an appointment on Doctolib

What are the risks of breast MRI?

These MRI do not present any real risk for the patient, as this examination does not use X-rays.

However, it is important to note that it is essential to remove any metal objects that may move under the effect of the magnetic field, to avoid any MRI hazard.

It is therefore essential to inject an intravenous contrast medium during breast MRI - in rare cases, allergic reactions can occur during injection.

How do I prepare for a breast MRI?

To be well prepared for a Breast MRIfollow these steps:

Schedule your MRI at the start of your menstrual cycle: If you're not yet menopausal, it's best to schedule the examination at a specific point in your menstrual cycle, generally between days 5 and 15. The first day of your period corresponds to the first day of your cycle. Our specialists will find out the phase of your cycle so that the MRI can be scheduled at the best time for you.
Inform the medical team of your allergies: Most MRI procedures use a dye called gadolinium to make it easier to observe the images. This dye is injected intravenously. By informing your medical team of your allergies, you can avoid problems related to the dye.
Mention if you have kidney problems: Gadolinium, used in MRI images, can cause serious complications in people with kidney problems.
Inform the medical team if you are pregnant: As a general rule, MRI is not recommended for pregnant women, due to the potential risks of the dye for the baby.
Inform the medical team if you are breast-feeding: If you are breastfeeding, it is recommended that you do not breastfeed for two days after the MRI. Before the MRI, you can express and store milk to feed your baby.
Do not wear metal objects during MRI: MRI can damage metal objects such as jewelry, hairpins, watches and eyeglasses. Leave these objects at home or remove them before the examination.
Inform the medical team of implanted medical devices: Inform the medical team of the presence of implanted medical devices in your body, such as pacemakers, defibrillators, implanted drug ports or artificial joints.

How is breast MRI performed?

L'Breast MRI takes place in a machine with a large central opening. During the examination, you lie on a padded table, with your breasts placed in a hollow space on the table. This space contains coils that pick up signals from the MRI machine. The table then moves into the opening of the machine.

The machine generates a magnetic field around you, which sends radio waves to your body. You won't feel anything, but you may hear loud clicking and banging noises coming from inside the machine. Because of the noise, you may be provided with earplugs.

The person performing the examination will be watching you from another room. You will be able to speak to him/her via a microphone. During the examination, it is important to breathe normally and remain as still as possible.

Breast MRI examinations generally take between 30 minutes and an hour.

FAQs on breast MRI and breast cancer

What measures could be proposed in Europe to reduce breast cancer mortality among older women?

Breast cancer in elderly women is the most common cancer in Europe, with high incidence and mortality. Older women are often diagnosed at an advanced stage, with larger tumors and a weakened immune system. Stopping organized screening at too early an age (65-74) leads to misunderstandings about cancer risk. It is crucial to provide better information on the frequency of breast cancer in older women, to combat preconceived ideas, and to maintain access to screening for women without major comorbidities, in order to reduce mortality.

What are the risk factors for breast cancer in Europe?

The risk factors for breast cancer in Europe are well identified. Genetic predisposition, such as the presence of deleterious variants in susceptibility genes, concerns less than 10% of cases. Hormonal factors, such as early menarche, late menopause or absence of pregnancy, moderately increase risk. Lifestyle also plays an important role: obesity after the menopause, alcohol and a sedentary lifestyle are responsible for 15% of breast cancers in Europe. Studies are underway to assess the impact of pollutants, pesticides and endocrine disruptors on this risk.

How can you reduce breast cancer risk factors?

Breast cancer management can be achieved through early follow-up for women with familial or genetic risk factors, including clinical examinations, mammograms and Breast MRI as early as age 30. Risk-reduction surgery (conservative surgery) may also be considered in certain cases. In addition, public health initiatives aimed at reducing obesity, alcohol consumption and sedentary lifestyles, particularly after the menopause, would be effective. These modifiable risk factors can be controlled by women themselves if they are informed of the risks and possible preventive actions.

Last update: December 28, 2024
Dr Corinne Bordonné