Patient with risk of breast cancer questions safety of yearly MRI

A reader wtih a slight genetic risk of breast cancer has concerns those risks will be aggravated by taking an MRI each year.

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Lifestyle

March 24, 2023 - 3:06 PM

Photo by Pixabay.com

DEAR DR. ROACH: Due to a slight genetic risk of breast cancer (my Tyrer-Cuzick Model score was 20.6%), my doctor wants me to get breast MRIs with contrast annually. I am concerned about long-term exposure to the gadolinium-based contrast dye. I’ve learned that this heavy metal is considered safe, but traces of it can be stored in the brain and other body tissues.

I am 49 and in very good health. I also get mammograms annually. I consulted my doctor about spacing out my MRIs to every two to three years, but he said I should have an MRI every year. So I could be…

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