A recent study published in the journal Radiology, suggest that magnetic resonance of imaging scans may help predict which women are most likely to develop breast cancer in the future. Because the risk of breast cancer is difficult to assess for women, there is a lasting desire in the oncology community to find more effective ways to determine the risk. Previous studies have linked dense breast tissue, which is tissue containing more fibro glandular tissue than fatty tissue, to increase one’s risk for breast cancer. Co-author of the study Dr. Habib Rahbar of the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance says, “While breast density is loosely associated with the risk of developing breast cancers, it is unclear whether it or other imaging feature can improve upon current risk assessment methods.” The American Cancer Society believes that women with a 20% or greater risk of developing breast cancer should have annual magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in addition to routine annual screening mammography.

 

The new study sparked interest in it’s researches because they were determining the association between imaging features, such as breast density and background parenchymal enhancement (BPE), where normal background breast tissue appears white on the scans, and cancer risk. The researchers discovered that women who displayed elevated levels of BPE were nine times more likely to be diagnoses with breast cancer during the study’s follow up periods of two years. Interestingly, the density of breast tissue was not found to have a significant relationship to cancer.

 

In conclusion, Dr. Rahbar says, “MRI could be used in a broader group of women to determine who most needs supplemental screening based on their BPE levels. This is important as we move into an era of more personalized medicine. Breast cancer needs a supportive environment to grow, and recent research suggests that areas of inflammation are particularly conducive for such growth.”

 

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