What is the High-Risk Breast Clinic?
The High-Risk Breast Clinic is a comprehensive program for women with an increased risk of developing breast cancer. The team of breast care specialists includes genetic specialists, breast surgeons, radiologists, oncologists and nurse navigators.
The clinic can provide a personalized care plan that includes:
- Breast cancer risk assessment
- Breast exams by a breast care specialist
- Genetic risk assessment and testing
- Personalized screening and prevention options
Who may be at risk?
Personal and family history of cancer
- Having a mother, sister or daughter diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly before menopause.
- Two or more close relatives - such as aunts, grandmothers or cousins - diagnosed with breast cancer, especially at a young age.
- Diagnosis of ovarian cancer in multiple family members.
- Combination of breast and ovarian cancer occurring on the same side of the family.
- Breast cancer diagnosed in a male relative.
- A personal history of breast or ovarian cancer.
- History of breast biopsy showing atypical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in-situ (LCIS).
Genetic risk assessment and testing
Although most breast cancers occur in women who do not have a strong family history of breast cancer, about five to 10 percent are hereditary. Researchers have identified genes that increase a person’s risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Other mutations can increase risk.
Based on your family history of cancer, you may benefit from a genetic risk assessment and genetic testing. We will discuss this at your first visit.
How the clinic works
Start by calling 541-706-6729 and participating in a phone interview with our high-risk manager. If you are determined to be at increased risk for breast cancer, and would like to participate in the clinic, you will be enrolled.
Your first visit will be with one of the participating providers who will review your history, answer all of your questions and establish a care plan.
The clinic will help schedule and coordinate regular clinical breast exams, radiology screening and preventative measures including lifestyle education and chemoprevention, based on your care plan.
Early diagnosis is key to the most successful treatment
Screening and techniques
Your breast care team will discuss options for cancer screening. High-risk screening may include:
- Annual digital mammography: Annual mammography remains the standard for breast screening. Both 2D and 3D imaging may be used. 3D mammography is the newest screening and diagnostic mammography tool with improved breast cancer detection rates.
- Annual breast MRI: Annual MRI is recommended by the American Cancer Society and the American College of Radiology in women with a 20 percent or greater lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Often this will be staggered every six months with a mammogram.
- Screening breast ultrasound: Screening ultrasound can be used in addition to mammography for some patients, particularly those who cannot undergo MRI.
