Breast MRI
Breast MRI at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives. High-sensitivity imaging used alongside mammography and ultrasound for high-risk screening and detailed assessment. Serving the North Shore — Turramurra, Gordon, Pymble & surrounds.
When Is a Breast MRI Recommended?
Breast MRI is the most sensitive breast imaging investigation available. It is not a replacement for mammography — it is used in specific situations where additional detail is needed, or where a patient’s risk profile warrants closer surveillance.
Breast MRI is commonly recommended for:
- Annual screening in women at high lifetime risk, including those with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene variant or a strong family history
- Assessing the full extent of disease following a new breast cancer diagnosis
- Monitoring response to chemotherapy given before surgery
- Investigating a suspicious finding where mammography and ultrasound have been inconclusive
- Assessing the integrity of breast implants, including suspected rupture
- Investigating a suspected cancer where the primary site has not been identified
At Epoch Medical Imaging in St Ives Shopping Village, breast MRI is reported by specialist radiologists with results sent directly to your referring doctor or breast surgeon.
How Breast MRI Works Alongside Mammography and Ultrasound
Each breast imaging method contributes something different, and they are designed to be used together rather than in place of one another.
How they work together:
- Mammography remains the foundation of breast screening and is the only method proven to reduce breast cancer mortality at a population level
- Ultrasound is used to characterise a lump or an area of concern, and to guide biopsy
- MRI is the most sensitive method for detecting cancer, particularly in dense breast tissue
- Because MRI is highly sensitive, it can identify findings that turn out to be benign — additional imaging or a biopsy is sometimes needed to clarify these
- For this reason, breast MRI is targeted to patients where the additional sensitivity is clinically justified
Mammography, breast ultrasound and breast MRI are all available at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives Shopping Village.
Preparation & What to Expect on the Day
Breast MRI is a comfortable, radiation-free examination. Our team will talk you through each step before your scan begins.
Before your appointment:
- For women who are still menstruating, the scan is ideally scheduled between days 7 and 14 of your cycle for the clearest images. Let our team know your dates when you book.
- You will complete an MRI safety questionnaire covering any metal implants, surgical clips or previous surgery.
- Please bring any previous mammograms, ultrasounds or breast MRI images with you if they were performed elsewhere.
- No fasting is required.
On the day:
- You will change into a gown and remove all jewellery.
- You lie face down on a dedicated breast coil, with your breasts positioned comfortably within it.
- The scan takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
- A gadolinium contrast injection is given through a small cannula in the arm — this is essential for breast MRI and does not cause a warm flush.
Your report is sent to your referring doctor, typically within three days. To book at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives Shopping Village, call (02) 9129 6999.
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Have a question or ready to book? Our friendly team is here to help with appointments, referrals and any imaging enquiries you may have.
Working Hours
Monday - Wednesday, Friday 08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thursday - 08:00 AM - 07:00 PM
Saturday - 08:30 AM - 1:00 PM