Supplemental Screening With MRI in Women With Dense Breasts: The European Perspective

Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women in Europe, and while all European countries have some form of screening for breast cancer, disparities in organization and implementation exist. Breast density is a well-established risk factor for breast cancer; however, most countries in Europe do not have recommendations in place for notification of breast density or additional supplementary imaging for women with dense breasts. Various supplemental screening modalities have been investigated in Europe, and when comparing modalities, MRI has been shown to be superior in cancer detection rate and in detecting small invasive disease that may impact long-term survival, as demonstrated in the Dense Tissue and Early Breast Neoplasm Screening (DENSE) trial in the Netherlands. Based on convincing evidence, the European Society of Breast Imaging issued recommendations that women with category D density undergo breast MRI from ages 50 to 70 years at least every 4 years and preferably every 2 to 3 years. However, currently no countries in Europe routinely offer women with BI-RADS category D density breasts MRI as supplemental imaging. The reasons for lack of implementation of MRI screening are multifactorial. Concerns regarding increased recalls have been cited, as have cost and lack of resources. However, studies have demonstrated breast MRI in women with BI-RADS category D density breasts to be cost-effective compared with the current breast cancer screening standard of biannual mammography. Furthermore, abbreviated MRI protocols could facilitate more widespread use of affordable MRI screening. Women's perception on breast density notification and supplemental imaging is key to successful implementation.