Which statement is true about screening for breast cancer in high-risk individuals?

Which statement is true about screening for breast cancer in high-risk individuals?

• A. Only mammography is required
• B. MRI never used
• C. Mammography and MRI together are recommended for high-risk patients
• D. Ultrasound alone is sufficient

Answer: (C)

In high-risk individuals, screening uses more than one imaging method because each test catches cancers the others might miss. MRI adds markedly higher sensitivity, especially for cancers in dense breasts and in BRCA mutation carriers or people with strong family histories. Mammography, while still essential, can miss some lesions that MRI detects and is better at identifying calcifications. Combining both tests—annual MRI plus mammography—provides the most reliable early detection strategy for those at elevated risk. Ultrasound can be helpful as an adjunct in specific situations, but it isn’t sufficient by itself for screening high-risk patients.

In high-risk individuals, screening uses more than one imaging method because each test catches cancers the others might miss. MRI adds markedly higher sensitivity, especially for cancers in dense breasts and in BRCA mutation carriers or people with strong family histories. Mammography, while still essential, can miss some lesions that MRI detects and is better at identifying calcifications. Combining both tests—annual MRI plus mammography—provides the most reliable early detection strategy for those at elevated risk. Ultrasound can be helpful as an adjunct in specific situations, but it isn’t sufficient by itself for screening high-risk patients.