MRI scanning increases eightfold in Canadian women with breast cancer

The use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) among women with newly diagnosed breast cancer increased eightfold over a 10 year period, a Canadian study published in JAMA Oncology has shown.1

The study found that preoperative breast MRI was associated with a notable increase in ancillary investigations, mastectomies, and contralateral prophylactic mastectomies and a longer waiting time to surgery.

Current guidelines recommend bilateral mammography as the primary imaging technique and, if necessary, preoperative ultrasonography. In recent years the use of preoperative breast MRI has …