The goal of the high risk breast evaluation program is to educate you about your risk for breast cancer and whether you need additional tests or visits in the clinic or if you can be reassured that your risk of breast cancer is not greater than the general population. In addition, we are conducting research studies that you may wish to participate in to allow us to examine better ways to prevent and assess risk of breast cancer.
We believe that through education and research, we can empower women to feel more comfortable about their breast health, to be proactive for their overall health, and to create an important information legacy for their children and future generations.
You should consider a High Risk Breast Health Evaluation if you have one or several of these breast cancer risk factors:
- A family history of breast or ovarian cancer
- A personal history of ovarian cancer
- A first degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) with a known BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 gene mutation, or another gene mutation that increases risk of breast cancer.
- Multiple family members diagnosed with breast, ovarian, prostate, or pancreatic cancer
- A male relative with breast cancer
- Atypical cells detected during a breast biopsy
- Radiation therapy to the chest between the age of 10 and 30 years
- Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry and a personal or family history of breast/ovarian cancer
- Dense breast(s) on a mammogram
- A personal history of breast cancer (since there is a higher risk of developing another breast cancer)
What to Expect
During your first visit you will meet with our High Risk Breast Physician who will review your personal and family health history as well as prior breast imaging. Following the clinical breast exam, she can provide recommendations about which breast imaging technique you should use, as well as education about ways to potentially reduce your risk of breast cancer. She will communicate her recommendations to your primary care provider, if you desire, so they can be part of the team monitoring your breast health.
During your visit, your breast health evaluation may include:
- Risk model assessments to estimate your lifetime risk of breast cancer
- Review of mammograms and other breast imaging studies
- A clinical breast exam
- Orders placed for screening tests as appropriate (mammography, breast ultrasound, MRI)
- Personalized surveillance plan
- Strategies to reduce breast cancer risk including counseling on lifestyle modifications
- Patient education materials
- If indicated, you may receive a referral to the following specialists.
-Breast Surgeon for a discussion about risk-reduction surgery
-Gynecologic Oncologist for a discussion about risk-reduction surgery
How to prepare for your visit:
- Bring any outside breast imaging films and report results (mammogram, ultrasound, breast MRI).
- Provide information about prior breast biopsies or surgeries if applicable.
- Bring genetic testing results for you or family members if applicable.
- Obtain information about your family's health history, especially history of any type of cancer and age at diagnosis.
For More Information
For more information about the NorthShore Kellogg Cancer High Risk Breast Program, please call us at 847.570.1029.
If you’d like to schedule an appointment for a breast health evaluation, please do so in one of the following ways:
- Ask your NorthShore physician to place an order for a “Personalized Medicine-High Risk Breast” referral. Our staff will call you to set up an appointment once the order has been received.
Or
- Call us at 847.570.1029 to schedule an appointment for a “Breast Risk Assessment” visit in the High Risk Breast Program.