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Is FAST Breast MRI right for you?

To learn if you are a candidate for this breast cancer screening method, complete our FAST Breast MRI appointment request which includes a brief survey

Request an Appointment

FAST Breast MRI

A Proactive Option to Supplement Breast Cancer Screening

Cape Cod Healthcare was the first healthcare system in the state to offer the pioneering technology of First post-contrast Acquisition SubTracted (FAST) Breast MRI, an abbreviated and less-expensive version of a breast MRI. Like a conventional MRI, this method uses radiofrequency waves and a strong magnetic field to provide a detailed view of breast tissue, detecting tissue abnormalities, as well as vascular function within the breast which can show blood flow to and from a tumor. It is a self-pay option (cost is $450) for women who do not meet criteria for a standard breast MRI, due to less than 20% lifetime risk of breast cancer, who would like an additional level of screening. FAST Breast MRI may not be right for everyone and traditional mammograms remain a viable option for women in accordance with their doctor’s advice.

Benefits of a FAST Breast MRI

FAST MRI can be performed as an extra level of screening in between routine mammograms or as a companion screening to a routine mammogram. It is a good tool to detect small tumors that may not be visible on a mammogram.
It provides additional layer of testing for women who are diagnosed as having dense breast tissue.
FAST MRI can be instrumental in revealing particularly aggressive cancers. It detects tumors that are vascular and can grow quickly in between annual mammograms.
The testing process takes under 5 minutes, compared to 40 minutes of a traditional MRI, is radiation-free and painless.
Results are received within 48 hours. An abnormal FAST breast MRI result will be followed up with a diagnostic conventional MRI.

Locations Offering FAST Breast MRI

For your convenience, FAST Breast MRI is available through our Women’s Health Centers:

Cuda Women’s Health Center, Hyannis
Seifer Women's Health and Imaging Center, Falmouth

Both FAST and conventional breast MRI are conducted utilizing a 3 Tesla MRI scanner (the most powerful FDA-approved scanning available south of Boston) at Cuda Women’s Health Center in Hyannis and a 1.5T MRI scanner at Falmouth Hospital.