MRI vs. Mammogram: Understanding Breast Cancer Screening Options

Question
Dear Karen,
I'm interested to know if its ok to go for an MIR rather than a mamogram. My gynae has asked me to take a mamogram test, i just don't feel comfortable witha mamogram. i have read that MIRs are as effective as mamograms. so please advise.
thanks.

Answer
Dear Reem,  I would suggest the Mammogram instead of the MRI since the Mammogram is better because it is focused on each breast individually....  Feeling COMFORTABLE is not the issue here, it is having the best possible diagnostic tool for the proper diagnosis....  NO woman likes a mammogram, but it must be done....  A hint, if you stop drinking ALL caffine drinks for 4 days before the mammogram, it will not hurt as much..  I have BIG dense breasts and the mammogram doesn't hurt me at all and usually women with BIG breast hurt more than those with small because the machine has to squeeze harder to hold the breast in place....  

However, talk to your doctor about the MRI.....

thank you,   karen