Medicare have just increased the age limit to 59 years old for women at risk of developing breast cancer who need an MRI.

 

By Jan Wakeling

BSc(Hons), MGenCoun, FHGSA Genetic Counsellor – Tasman Health Care

 

This means that women between the age of 50-59 years who are high risk (see criteria below), can now have an annual breast MRI, if requested by a specialist. There is still no lower age limit. We recommend that women who are eligible for an annual breast MRI seek a referral to a private breast specialist/surgeon or a public familial/high-risk breast screening clinic to arrange this screening. Tasman healthcare can arrange genetic testing for women who fit into this category.

Criteria includes:

MRI scan of both breasts for the detection of cancer in a patient. If:

  • (a) a dedicated breast coil is used; and
  • (b) the request for the scan identifies that the patient is asymptomatic and is younger than 60 years of age; and
  • (c) the request for the scan identifies that the patient is at high risk of developing breast cancer due to one or more of the following:
  • (;) genetic testing has identified the presence of a high risk breast cancer gene mutation in the patient or in a first degree relative of the patient;
  • (i) both:
  • (A) one of the patient’s first or second degree relatives was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 45 years or younger; and
  • (B) another first or second degree relative on the same side of the patient’s family was diagnosed with bone or soft tissue sarcoma at age 45 years or younger
  • fill) the patient has a personal history of breast cancer before the age of 50 years:
  • (iv the patient has a personal history of mantle radiation therapy
  • (V) the patient has a lifetime risk estimation greater than 30% or a 10 year absolute risk estimation greater than 5% usino a clinically relevant risk evaluation algorithm; and
  • (d) the service is not performed in conjunction with item 55076 or 55079
  • Applicable not more than once in a 12 month period

If you would like more information, please speak to me or any of the Oncologists here at Tasman Health Care, or click here for further details from Breast Cancer Network Australia.

 

About the Author:

JAN WAKELING

BSc(Hons), MGenCoun, FHGSA Genetic Counsellor

Jan is a Genetic Counsellor, certified by the Australasian Society of Genetic Counsellors. Jan completed a Master of Science in Genetic Counselling in 2010 and has since worked as a genetic counsellor in Familial Cancer Clinics in Queensland and Western Australia. Jan has developed expertise in providing cancer risk assessments for women who have a family history of cancer, and in providing risk management advice for these women and their families. Jan has a patient focused approach to counselling and understands how difficult it can be for some women to access appropriate risk management in a timely manner. Jan is committed to providing information and support to women at an increased risk of developing cancer.

 
Tasman Health Care is an Oncology clinic and research-focused group based on Queensland’s Gold Coast. We have an onsite Day Infusion Unit and specialise in Cancer care and treatment. We also provide a large percentage of our patients, insured or uninsured, the opportunity to access new pharmaceuticals only available through a trial opportunity.

To make an appointment with one of our Doctors, Genetic Counsellors or team of Allied Health Specialists please contact us (07) 5613 2480 or reception@tasmanhealthcare.com.au.