Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Breast Cancer Patients with BRCA Mutation

Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy among women, occurring in approximately one in eight women in Western countries (1). The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes contribute 5~10% in genetic breast cancer and women with these mutations have a 60~80% risk of developing breast cancer by the age of 70 (2). To reduce this risk, close surveillance for the earlier detection of breast cancer at the most favorable stage is necessary. The strategy for the surveillance of high-risk women should differ from that of the general population. Screening of high-risk women should begin at a younger age, and clinical breast examinations and annual mammography should begin at 25-35 years of age (3, 4). Findings of several studies indicate that contrast-enhanced MRI is useful for screening highrisk women (5, 6). In addition, the American Cancer INTRODUCTION