Dr. Mark Robson. Photo by Richard DeWitt.

A new study in JAMA Oncology found that women at increased risk of breast cancer due to ATM, CHEK2, or PALB2 genetic mutations benefit from screening MRI starting at ages 30-35 and mammography starting at age 40.

MSK co-author Dr. Mark Robson told Medscape Medical News that while this advice may lead to false positive screenings, it will also find cancers earlier and save lives. “What I was excited by is just how impactful the MRI screen was in terms of projected reduction in the risk of death. I thought that great,” Robson said.

Need advice on which screening plan is right for you? Speak to your doctor, and find out more about MSK’s Breast Screening Program.