Breast Cancer High Risk Clinic

It’s important for women of all ages to engage in breast cancer prevention measures, including scheduling yearly mammograms when you reach 40. However, based on personal or family history or positive genetic test results, some people are at a higher risk for developing breast cancer and need further guidance. If this sounds like you, we know you want answers. That’s why the SIH Breast Cancer High Risk Clinic is here to help.

At SIH Breast Cancer High Risk Clinic, we’ll review your personal and family history of cancer, use assessment tools to determine if you are high risk, and discuss your best options based on your assessment results. We know that early detection is key, so we’ll also help you develop a treatment plan to lower your risk of developing breast cancer. Everyone’s risk of breast cancer is different, so your treatment plan is unique to you and your care needs.

You might benefit from an appointment at SIH Breast Cancer High Risk Clinic if you fall into one of the following categories or have experienced:

• Direct family history: You have a personal history or a strong family history of breast cancer.
• Genetics: Through genetic testing, you found out that you or a family member is a carrier of one or more genetic variants that increase the risk for developing cancer. Your or your family may also have a specific genetic condition (including Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, and Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome) that increases the risk of breast cancer.
• Heritage: You’re of Eastern and Central European Jewish descent.
• Breast lesions: You’ve had a previous breast biopsy with atypical hyperplasia (abnormal cells in the breast).
• Previous Treatment: You’ve undergone radiation therapy to your chest area before you turned 30.

If you feel that you may need an appointment with the SIH Breast Cancer High Risk Clinic, talk to your gynecologist or primary care provider about a referral. Once your appointment is scheduled, it is imperative to bring your full past medical, family, and surgical history, as well as a list of current medications and all prior breast imaging scans.