Breast MRI is often recommended as a follow-up to mammography or ultrasound, particularly for people with dense breast tissue or a family history of breast cancer. It can also help assess the chest wall or surrounding tissue, or check the condition of a breast implant.

Your specialist or referring doctor may recommend a breast MRI to:

• Support an ongoing surveillance program if you are considered at high risk of breast cancer, for example due to a strong family history or a known high-risk gene mutation
• Help assess an area of concern when other imaging has not given a clear answer and a biopsy has not been possible
• Help your specialist plan treatment if you have been diagnosed with breast cancer and there is a discrepancy between your clinical assessment and other imaging
• Check the condition of certain breast implants

Medicare rebates are available for breast MRI in specific circumstances, subject to strict eligibility criteria. Your specialist or referring doctor will let you know if you meet the criteria for a rebate.
 

Both breast MRI and Contrast Enhanced Mammography use a contrast injection and can be useful for people with dense breast tissue. Breast MRI uses a magnetic field and takes longer to complete, while Contrast Enhanced Mammography is a type of mammogram that adds around 15 minutes to a standard mammogram. Your doctor will recommend whichever option suits your situation best.

Because the MRI machine relies on a powerful magnet, please tell us about any metallic or electronic implants or devices you have. You will complete a safety questionnaire when you book and again on arrival. Please remove jewellery and body piercings before you come in, and avoid mascara or eye makeup, since some products contain fine metallic particles that can interfere with the scan. If your clothing contains metal, such as zips, studs or underwire, you may be asked to change into a gown.

If you have ever injured your eye with metal, please let our staff know, as you may need an x-ray of your eyes beforehand to check no fragments remain.
 

Before the scan starts, your MRI radiographer will talk you through the procedure and answer any questions. You will lie on a comfortable scanning table that slides slowly into the scanner. If contrast is needed, it is given by injection, usually partway through the scan. The machine will not touch your body, but it does produce a loud, rhythmic array of sounds for 2 to 4 minutes at a time. You will be given ear protection and, in many cases, headphones with music. Staying as still as possible helps produce clear images, and you can speak with your radiographer at any point during the scan.

Breast MRI is considered very safe and does not involve ionising radiation. Because it relies on a strong magnetic field, please tell our team if you have any metal or implanted medical devices, including pacemakers, joint replacements, cochlear implants, or surgical clips.

Contrast is generally very safe, though there is an extremely small risk of an allergic reaction. It is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding unless specifically required. Please let a South East Radiology staff member know if you have had any previous reactions to MRI contrast.
 

MRI scans for most regions of the body take up to 25 minutes once everything is set up. Breast MRI usually includes a contrast injection, which adds to this time. Our team can give you a more precise estimate when you book.

Cost depends on several factors, including the type of scan requested by your doctor, how many regions require imaging, the duration of the scan, and the specialty of your referring doctor. Our customer service team can advise you of all costs involved, including any out-of-pocket costs.

If you think you may feel claustrophobic during your breast MRI, please let us know when you book. Bringing a friend into the room can help, and oral sedation can also be arranged with your referring doctor.

We suggest arranging alternative childcare for the day of your scan, or bringing another adult with you to look after your child. Children cannot be present in the examination room, and there is no supervision available in the waiting area.