I’m also Ashkenazi, have a family history similar to yours with dense breasts. I have no known genetic factors after DNA testing. I was referred to a breast health center where I do MRIs and mammograms every six months, switching off. That’s the general standard of care. While MRI copays aren’t cheap, I consider that when picking my insurance. It’s worth the peace of mind knowing my family history.

With that family history I would not only do it; I’d do it annually staggered six months off your mammograms.

As someone who works in health care, I’ll say that this question is really hard to answer. This article does a good job of laying out all the issues related to early detection (even though it isn’t about MRIs).

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2025/06/23/the-catch-in-catching-cancer-early

By the time you feel a lump the cancer has been there quite a while. I would get a baseline now.
BTW I don't have dense breasts.

Yes, get it.

I am on they mammogram/ MRI alternating schedule, so imaging every six months. I had breast cancer, and I have extremely dense breasts, but my cancer was picked upon a mammogram, not the MRI. I my state, insurance is required to over breast MRIs, but deductible and co-insurance still apply, and I have a high deductible plan, so I paid thousands of dollars for my MRI this year in February (used to have it in December when the deductible was already met). So I am considering not doing it next year. Also, despite having had breast cancer, i declined tamoxifen due to its profile of potential side effects. So if a doctor offers it to you, do your research.

If your doctor thinks you should do it, you should probably do it. Mine does and I do! I don’t think regular mammograms work all that well for people with dense breasts.

I wouldn't do it. I have dense breasts, my mother had BC 3 separate times (each a different version) and I had an MRI that showed NOTHING except the same, dense breasts.

Unless you have a lump or something similar you don't need an MRI

^^^
I’m the previous posting with mom, grandmother, and sister with breast cancer. They are BRCA negative as well as negative for newer markers. I wouldn’t consider myself “in the clear” AT ALL with your history.

Just do it. My mom, grandmother, and sister have all had breast cancer. My mom was 43 and sister 50. Nothing shows up in DNA testing, but there is probably something genetic there. But regardless, I’ve known multiple women diagnosed in their 40s or earlier. Your doctor recommended it! Why would you go against their orders? They are the ones meeting women with cancer, day in and day out. They only have your best interest in mind.

I have very dense breasts and other things and they've never suggested an MRI, but I do go every 6 months for monitoring.

I would have the MRI. Also ask your doctor about medication you could take to lower your risk of developing breast cancer. A low dose of tamoxifen has been shown to lower breast cancer risk, or if you’re post-menopausal, an aromatase inhibitor has been found effective.

Is there anyone who doesn't have dense breasts?

100% you should get it. My best friend lives in CT where it is actually state law that insurance must cover a MRI for women with dense tissue who ask for one. Her friend had recommended that she get one even though her mammograms and ultrasounds were clear. She had no family history of cancer, found cancer in the MRI and just had a double mastectomy at 43. I’m sure you will be fine (she is fine even though she is going through this!), but so much better to know early than let it sit and grow until it can be seen on a mammogram.

When I went for my annual mammogram and breast ultrasound last month the office had me fill out some kind of risk questionnaire. Thankfully my mammogram and US were all clear, but I guess the questionnaire showed I am higher risk and I have very dense breasts, so my gynecologist suggested that I also have a breast MRI. I am feeling torn on whether or not I should do it since I hate MRIs and it will likely cost me $500 after whatever my insurance covers.

The reason I am high risk is because my paternal grandmother and aunt both got breast cancer in their 50s. My grandmother went into remission until it came back in her early 80s. My aunt’s was not caught early enough and metastasized and she eventually passed away at 58. I am of Ashkenazi Jewish dissent but don’t have the BRCA gene.

So all said, would you do it or hold off?