The probability of developing breast cancer is calculated for high-risk patients using various statistical methods. If the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer calculated by methods such as Gail, Klaus, BRCAPRO etc. exceeds twenty percent (the lifetime risk for a normal woman is 12-13%), breast MRI screening is recommended for that woman in addition to mammography. For this, the patient's risk must be calculated accurately.

In the high-risk patient group, if the risk exceeds a certain value, mammography and breast MRI scans are performed together. Mammography and breast MRI scans are complementary scans, and regular performance of one does not necessitate not performing the other.