MRI scans detect false tumours

A STUDY has shown MRI scans used to detect breast cancer cells returned a large majority of unfounded results and showed up non-existent tumours.

The research published in the Annals of Oncology showed that while MRIs were effective at detecting cancer cells they caused unnecessary anxiety for many.

The Dutch research team said five in every six MRI scans used in breast screens suggested the presence of a tumour, but it was only a false alarm.

However, MRI scans proved to be more effective at detecting cancerous cells when they were very small compared with the success rate of a mammogram.

In Ireland, the free breast screening service available to all women aged 50 to 64 carried out by BreastCheck, uses a mammogram rather than an MRI.

“No screening tool is 100% effective and breast screening does not find all breast cancer, but screening in other countries has been shown to lower the number of women dying from breast cancer,” says BreastCheck literature.

Last year’s breast cancer misdiagnosis scandal in Portlaoise first emerged when eight “false positives” were discovered in mammogram tests.

The Dutch research showed had MRIs been used it was likely the number of false positives would have been even higher.

However, the study decided the benefits of this method of screening outweighed the negatives.