Women with newly-diagnosed ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and undergoing follow-up MRI can experience anxiety as well as discomfort and may benefit from counseling, according to a study published November 2, 2021, in JAMA Network Open.

“In this cohort study, a clinically meaningful breast MRI testing burden among women with DCIS was revealed that was significantly associated with cancer worry. Understanding the potential quality-of-life reduction associated with MRI, especially when used in combination with mammography, may allow development of targeted interventions to improve the patient experience,” wrote a team led by Dr. Ruth Carlos, assistant chair for clinical research at the University of Michigan.

“Women undergoing breast MRI after diagnostic mammography for DCIS may benefit from preprocedural education and counseling to reduce anticipatory stress and improve overall testing experience,” wrote the team.

Sources:

Fazeli S, Snyder BS, Gareen IF, et al. Patient-Reported Testing Burden of Breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging Among Women With Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: An Ancillary Study of the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group (E4112). JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(11):e2129697. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.29697 Published online November 2, 2021, at https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2785669. Accessed November 15, 2021.

Hayes, Emily. Breast MRI during workup of DCIS can spur anxiety in women. AuntMinnie.com. Published online November 2, 2021, at https://www.auntminnie.com/index.aspx?sec=sup&sub=wom&pag=dis&ItemID=133933. Accessed November 15, 2021.