Breast MRI for screening: evaluation of clinical practice and future perspectives

S. Vreemann

• Promotor: N. Karssemeijer
• Copromotor: A. Gubern-Mérida and R. Mann
• Graduation year: 2018
• Radboud University, Nijmegen

Abstract

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death among women. In the Netherlands, one out of 6.6 women faces the diagnosis of breast cancer during her life. The survival chances are increased by the early detection of breast cancer. To ensure early detection, breast cancer screening was introduced in the Netherlands, in which women from the age of 50 are invited for a biennial mammography. Unfortunately, mammography has its limitations, causing that breast parenchyma can obscure cancer. In addition, research has already proven that high breast density is an independent risk factor for breast cancer. Other significant risk factors are personal history of breast cancer, radiation to the chest at a young age, extensive family history of breast cancer, and a proven BRCA gene mutation.