Avis Antel

According to research presented this year, at the annual meeting of the American Society of Oncology, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) offers both optimum sensitivity in diagnosing breast cancer and, at the same time, a very low rate of unnecessary biopsies. As a screening tool, MRIs are more precise and less painful than mammography, reduce the need for unnecessary biopsies, are non-invasive, and do not incur exposure to ionizing radiation (a known cause of cancer used in conventional mammography). Moreover, MRIs are better able to locate tumours in younger women with dense, fibrous breast tissue.

MRIs can not only pick up cancers that neither mammograms nor physical examination detect but are also useful for tracking growths or abnormalities in the breast believed to be benign.

The Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital has recently been given the materials required to adapt its MRI for breast cancer screening. Initially, the reconfigured MRI will be used only for high-risk patients, i.e., those with BRCA-1 or BRCA-2 genes, or those previously diagnosed with breast cancer. The machine is scheduled to be in operation in the Fall of 2003. (This technology is also available at the Montreal General Hospital and at Hôpital St-Luc.)

While mammography continues to be used as the first line of detection in diagnosing breast cancer, it may be time for a new "gold standard". Although still a relatively new technology in Montreal, we question whether restricting access to MRI is based on research or economics. Women should be demanding access to that technology and medicine have to offer, regardless of its cost.

MRI screening will not prevent breast cancers, but it may help to reduce cancer deaths.