Breast cancer screening: The role of MRI and ultrasound in dense tissue

While mammography remains the cornerstone of routine breast cancer screening, medical experts highlight its limitations for certain populations. For women with dense breast tissue—a condition affecting nearly half of women aged 40 to 74—mammography's sensitivity can drop from 85–90% in fatty tissue to as low as 60–70%. This occurs because dense tissue and tumors both appear white on X-rays, potentially obscuring abnormalities.

To address these gaps, advanced imaging technologies such as MRI and ultrasound are utilized as complementary tools rather than replacements. MRI with contrast offers high diagnostic sensitivity and is particularly useful for women with extremely dense breasts or elevated genetic risks. Ultrasound, which uses sound waves, may be recommended as an additional test in specific circumstances, though relying on ultrasound alone can miss up to 75% of breast cancers.

Medical approaches are shifting from a one-size-fits-all model toward personalized screening strategies. These individualized plans consider factors such as age, breast density, family history, and overall risk profiles to ensure more effective early detection.