Annual screening - mammogram vs mri

Hello,

In 2021 at 46 I was diagnosed with DCIS intermediate grade - I had lumpectomy and radiation treatment on left breast. 4 years later -March 2025 -Had standard (no contrast) annual mammogram and ultrasound which was also to check on lump I found in same radiated breast, lump could not be found in these scans due to breast density, (no pain in lump and no swelling etc).  Due to the fact that my existing surgeon could tick lots of boxes(breast density increase since radiation, BC in maternal and paternal family, previous DCIS in 2021) I was able to have an MRI with contrast (2 month wait).  I was told by my specialist you can't have more than one MRI with contrast annually regardless of history.  My MRI with contrast shows lump is benign in left (woohoo) but also shows new potential DCIS found in right breast that did not show in standard no contrast mammogram and ultrasound.  Now staring down a tunnel at DCIS in other breast but (WAITING) for focussed ultrasound + -biopsy appointment and next steps.  I am realising more and more it is important women are told by specialists, GP etc about their breast density as contrast can by paramount for women with dense breast tissue.  

I am including three links to an open access article in Lancet just published on MRI with contrast and other tests with contrast, a page on the Mayo Clinic site on what it means to have dense breasts for anyone interested and a recent article in The Conversation on density and BC (all reputable medical info and all these are legitimate, verifiable, non bias and medical based  Comparison of supplemental breast cancer imaging techniques—interim results from the BRAID randomised controlled trial - The Lancet

Dense breast tissue: What it means to have dense breasts

How breast tissue density affects your risk of breast cancer

If you have any questions, advocate for your health by speaking to your specialists, GP etc