In a new report, the Centers for Disease Control reveal a significant portion of women at risk for breast cancer went without mammogram screenings in the pandemic years.

The short answer: All breast imaging tests are less than perfect, each breast imaging exam provides different information, and all breast imaging studies are complimentary. Upsides: Mammograms are the cornerstone, first-line screening tool for early breast cancer detection because they are a quick, cost-efficient way to get a global view of how the breast tissues are organized, and assess for any changes related to early breast cancer. Downsides: Mammograms are less sensitive in the detection of early breast cancer if a woman has dense breast tissue. Upsides: Breast MRI is the single-most sensitive and specific breast imaging test available for the detection of early breast cancer. By leveraging the strengths of multiple breast imaging modalities, breast imaging physicians provide patients with the most accurate evaluation possible to rule out the presence of early, curable breast cancer.