Which imaging technique is recommended annually for women aged 25 to 29 at high risk for breast cancer?

The recommended imaging technique for women aged 25 to 29 who are at high risk for breast cancer is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MRI is particularly valuable in this age group because it has a higher sensitivity for detecting breast cancer compared to other imaging modalities, especially in women with dense breast tissue, which is common in younger women.

Annual MRI screenings are often advised for women at high risk, such as those with a strong family history of breast cancer, BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, or other genetic predispositions. The technique does not involve ionizing radiation, making it a safer choice for frequent monitoring of high-risk populations.

Other imaging options, like ultrasound and X-ray mammography, do not provide the same level of sensitivity for early detection in this age group. Additionally, computed tomography (CT) scans are generally not used for breast cancer screening due to their high radiation exposure and lower specificity in detecting breast lesions. Thus, MRI emerges as the best annual screening option for this particular demographic.