As a breast radiologist practicing for over 15 years, I'm witnessing two parallel revolutions in cancer detection: expanding role of breast MRI expanding role of breast MRI and artificial intelligence. Both are dramatically improving outcomes for my patients.



Breast MRI: The gold standard for high-risk screeningBreast MRI has emerged from being purely diagnostic to becoming a powerful screening tool. Unlike mammography's 2D images, MRI provides detailed 3D visualization of breast tissue, detecting cancers as small as 2-3 millimeters, often years before they become palpable. It plays a beautiful role in giving a complete extent of the disease process in known cancers or mastitis. Even in Ductal pathologies, MRI can detect the disease even at microscopic level which is called DCIS.



For women with BRCA mutations, strong family histories, or prior chest radiation, annual breast MRI screening has become standard care. The sensitivity is remarkable, detecting over 90% of invasive cancers compared to mammography's 70-80%.



AI: The digital second opinionNow, about artificial intelligence. I was honestly pretty skeptical when our department first introduced AI-assisted reading. Artificial intelligence has transformed how we interpret mammograms, ultrasounds and even MRI. AI algorithms now analyze these within seconds, flagging suspicious areas that require my attention. AI helps to detect 8-10% more cancers that initially might have been missed.



AI helps in distinguishing between truly suspicious findings and benign breast changes, reducing unnecessary patient stress and healthcare costs. For Indian women with dense breast tissue, AI-enhanced mammography provides more confident readings.



Impact on Indian healthcare

Both technologies address critical gaps in Indian breast cancer care. AI democratizes expertise, allowing radiologists in smaller cities to provide subspecialty-level screening interpretation. Meanwhile, abbreviated breast MRI protocols are making this advanced imaging more cost-effective and accessible.



I feel more optimistic about early detection than ever before. We're catching cancers smaller and earlier. We're reducing anxiety through better accuracy. And we're extending expert-level care to women regardless of geography.



That's not revolutionary, that's transformational.




Dr. Namrata Singal Sawant, Director and Senior Breast & Women`s Imaging Consultant Radiologist at “Vcare Imaging Diagnostic Center”, Mumbai