Kapi‘olani Breast Center Earns Breast MRI Accreditation

BREAST MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGINGKapi‘olani Breast Center has earned the Breast MRI accreditation from the American College of Radiology (ACR) and is the only facility in Hawai‘i to receive this prestigious designation for its breast MRI services. The accreditation certifies that the breast MRI at Kapi‘olani Breast Center meets ACR’s rigorous standards in image quality, personnel qualifications, facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs.

Studies have confirmed the value of breast MRI in the detection, monitoring and treatment of breast cancer. However, variability across programs means not all women realize the same benefit. The need for standardization in part prompted ACR to establish its breast MRI accreditation program in 2010.

“Accreditation is critical because it involves the thorough, repeated, objective evaluation of every aspect of facilities’ breast MRI offerings, said Constance Lehman, M.D., Ph.D. and chair of ACR’s committee on Breast MRI Accreditation. “Only through this type of assessment can truly high standards of breast care be set and upheld.”

The accreditation is also important because Medicare requires it as a standard of quality assurance for its beneficiaries. By January 1, 2012, all outpatient facilities with breast MRI will need to achieve this status and it is anticipated that the same will be required of hospitals.

Recently, Kapi‘olani Breast Center completed an upgrade to their MRI equipment. Unique to the Center is the scanning table which is specifically designed for breast MRI and offers optimal 360 degree access for scanning and biopsy, resulting in better sampling. The table is specifically designed to conform to a woman’s body for maximum comfort which results in better images and a faster and safer procedure.

“Our radiologists are specially trained in breast MRI to ensure an accurate reading,” said Dr. Bryan Gushiken, breast radiologist at Kapi‘olani Breast Center. “An MRI is much more sensitive than a mammogram so it is more likely to detect abnormalities in the breast that may or may not be cancer. For women who are at very high risk for breast cancer, they should consider having their breast MRI and other diagnostic tests done at our facility. The accreditation along with our ACR Breast Imaging Center of Excellence Award translates to peace of mind for our patients, knowing that everything from mammography to breast MRI have received the seal of approval from physicians who know and understand these diagnostic procedures the best.”

The American Cancer Society recommends breast MRI in conjunction with mammograms for women who are deemed very high risk. Women who fall into this category generally meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation
  • First-degree relative (parent, sibling, child) with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation
  • Lifetime risk of breast cancer has been scored at 20-25% or greater
  • Received radiation treatment to the chest between the ages of 10 and 30
  • Has Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome or a family history of these conditions

First in breast health for the second time

In 2008, Kapi‘olani was also the first on Oahu to be designated a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology. The two credentials combined mean that from mammography to high-risk screening, we rank among the nation’s best.

About Kapi‘olani Breast Center
Kapi'olani Breast Center opened in May 2004 and is the state’s first comprehensive breast center dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. The Breast Center's dedicated team of physicians and specialists provide patients clinical excellence in a warm and supportive environment. Our breast health nurses serve as caregivers for our patients, guiding women through diagnostic tests and treatments when necessary. In 2008, the American College of Radiology awarded the Kapi‘olani Breast Center with the Breast Imaging Center of Excellence Award. Kapi‘olani Breast Center was the first facility on O‘ahu to receive this honor.