Breast Cancer Screening

Many things can increase your breast cancer risk. Some of these things you can control and some you can't. One major risk is inheriting the breast cancer genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2. Learn what having these genes mean, plus other things that put you at risk for breast cancer.

Understanding BRCA1 & BRCA2 Genes

The mutations that most often cause breast cancer are changes in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes ("Breast cancer 1 gene" and "Breast cancer 2 gene").

Regular mammograms find breast cancers in most women. But you may need a more advanced scan. A breast MRI reveals more than a typical mammogram.

At UVA, we offer two types of breast MRIs:

• Conventional Breast MRI, for women at high risk for breast cancer
• Fast Breast MRI, for women at average risk with dense breast tissue

Regular mammograms use X-rays. A breast MRI scan uses magnetic waves and IV dye to take 3D pictures of the breast.