Women’s Imaging Expert Comments on Applegate’s ‘Oprah’ Appearance, Importance of Breast MRI

PRLog (Press Release) - Oct 02, 2008 -
Contact:

Steven Scallon, MD
425-251-5183                  
sscallon@vrads.com

Rebecca Middleton
206-310-1178
rebecca@vrads.com

Renton, WA -- As we enter Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, public attention to the experience of Christina Applegate (who appeared Tuesday, September 30 on the Oprah Winfrey Show, KING 5 TV, 4:00 p.m.) and the MRI she credits with saving her life puts the spotlight on the importance of radiology in early detection, diagnosis, and treatment planning.

“From my perspective as a specialist in breast screening and diagnosis, the most noteworthy aspect of Ms. Applegate’s story is the proactive role she and her physicians took in evaluating the specifics of her medical history and risk factors,” says Steven Scallon, M.D., a breast imaging specialist with Valley Radiologists in King County. “This resulted in excellent medical decisions, such as using Breast MRI in addition to mammography due to the density of her tissue. The MRI appears to have been critical in rendering an accurate diagnosis and determining a successful treatment.”

According to the American Cancer Society (CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians Vol. 57, No. 2: 75-89), studies have shown that MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans have a success rate of 71 to 100 percent in detecting tumors in high-risk populations, compared to only 16 to 40 percent for mammography.

“There’s a lot of good wisdom in this story that will hopefully motivate women to become stronger advocates for their own medical needs,” says Dr. Scallon. “Following the usual recommendations such as starting mammograms at age 40 is important, but Ms. Applegate and her doctors factored in her mother’s history of breast cancer. So she began testing much earlier with both mammography and Breast MRI.”

Breast MRI provides vast amounts of additional imaging data. This results in benefits such as increased ability to discover additional tumors in a breast after an initial abnormal finding, or of discovering tumors in the opposite breast when only one breast was initially suspected. In view of these increased capabilities, the American Cancer Society now recommends an annual Breast MRI for some women who, like Applegate, have known factors increasing their lifetime risk.

“The decision as to whether to have routine Breast MRI, and when it should begin, should of course be made in consultation with the primary care physician,” says Dr. Scallon. “But to ensure the right decision, it is crucial for women to be proactive about keeping their physicians fully apprised of their medical histories and risk factors.”

“At Valley Radiologists,” he adds, “we’ve recognized the importance of Breast MRI and provided it as one of our imaging services for a number of years. But sometimes it takes the high profile experience of a public figure like Ms. Applegate to make an important message clear to patients and maybe even doctors. So we’re grateful that she’s had the courage to discuss this personal experience publicly, and in such detail. The bottom line is that this will save lives, and that’s what’s important.”

About Valley Radiologists

For more than 35 years, Valley Radiologists have provided patients with high quality imaging services in southern King County.  The group formed in 1970 as a partnership between three radiologists.  Today, Valley Radiologists services seven imaging sites, including Valley Breast Center, with more than 25 radiologists on staff.  Valley Breast Center partners with Macy’s annually for the Breast Cancer Survivor Fashion Show, increasing early detection and improving patient treatment. Valley Radiologists are committed to providing patients with state-of-the-art testing in a comfortable and caring atmosphere.  For more information on Valley Radiologists and the safety measures in place, please visit www.vrads.com.