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MRIs for sisters of diagnosed?

Page last modified on: October 7, 2008
Question from Stella: My now 37-year-old daughter was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2002, now a Stage IV. I have three other daughters, two younger and one older than the one with breast cancer. Thankfully, all my other daughters have had clear mammograms. Should they also have MRIs, even though insurance won't cover them?
Answers —Lynn Hartmann, M.D.: If that is the only breast cancer in the family, that in and of itself does not say it's a hereditary process, so I would not recommend MRIs for the sisters. I think certainly the older sister should be examined and have a mammogram and someone should take a good family history, see if there are other breast or ovarian cancers in the family. Or is it an Ashkenazi Jewish family, which would raise the index of suspicion that it might be hereditary? Bottom line: try to determine if this is hereditary or not, but I would not automatically recommend breast MRIs for the family.
Beth DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S.: I agree completely about the additional family history and would certainly suggest that the sisters be vigilant about their breast exams and be followed by their gynecologists as well on a regular basis.

On Wednesday, February 15, 2006, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Risk Reduction. Lynn C. Hartmann, M.D. and moderator Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. answered your questions about a variety of topics such as screening with mammograms, MRIs, and ultrasounds; breast biopsies; lifestyle changes that make a difference; and making hard decisions about prophylactic surgeries.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Lynn C. Hartmann, M.D.Lynn Hartmann, M.D. is a professor of oncology at the Mayo Clinic and associate director for education of the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center.

Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S.Beth Baughman DuPree, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a general surgeon with a focus in breast cancer care and the CEO and medical director of the Comprehensive Breast Care Institute at DSI of Bucks County, PA.

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