Francisco Esteva: Breast MRI awareness varies across USA, Europe, and China
Francisco Esteva, Chief of the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology at Lenox Hill Hospital, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“In USA and many European countries, breast MRI screening awareness and utilization among high-risk women generally tend to be higher than in regions like Beijing, China, but there are still notable gaps. In the USA, for instance, breast MRI is more commonly recommended for women with a significantly increased risk of breast cancer, such as those with BRCA mutations or a strong family history. Women with high breast density will increasingly be evaluated with MRI. However, even in Western settings, barriers such as cost, access to MRI facilities, and concerns about false positives can limit uptake.
In Europe, the approach varies by country due to differences in healthcare systems and screening guidelines. Some countries have well-established breast cancer screening programs that include MRI for high-risk populations, while others may rely more on mammography. Awareness of breast MRI and its benefits tends to be better in regions with more robust breast cancer screening programs, but like in the USA, psychological concerns and misconceptions about the procedure can still hinder its widespread use.
Overall, while Western countries may have better-established infrastructure and awareness around breast MRI, issues such as access, cost, and psychosocial barriers persist. Public health campaigns and education in these regions, similar to the approach recommended for China, can still improve screening participation and address concerns about MRI screening, especially among high-risk groups.
In this study, women in Beijing with high risk of breast cancer expressed a positive attitude and a willingness to participate in breast MRI screening, even though they have limited knowledge on the subject. This study underscores the crucial role that public health education plays in enhancing awareness and encouraging regular screenings, which in turn could lead to better early detection and treatment outcomes.”
Authors: Jing Lu, Hongwei Ren, Yuhan Liu, Yuxia Wang, Youzhi Rong, Yahui Wang, Feie Wang, Tianran Li & Liutong Shang.
More posts featuring Francisco Esteva on oncodaily.com
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