Breast Cancer Prevention and Risk Assessment
The Comprehensive Breast Center at Providence Hospital is dedicated to the prevention and early detection of breast cancer. A variety of factors influence a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. While all women are at increased risk of developing breast cancer with advancing age, some women are at a significantly increased risk. Risks for developing breast cancer depend on lifestyle traits and identified risk factors.
The following risk factors are strongly related to the disease and can alert you and your physician to the need for careful follow-up:
- A family history of breast cancer, especially in your mother, sister(s) or daughter
- Age-in general, the older you are, the greater the risk
- First menstrual period before the age of 12
- Having a first child after age 30 or never having a child
- Never breastfeeding
- Late menopause (after age 55)
- Taking hormone replacement therapy
- Being overweight/obese (only after menopause)
- A history of breast disease that required biopsies
Each woman that comes to the Breast Center for a screening or diagnostic mammogram will receive a computerized questionnaire regarding the reason for the mammogram, history of previous mammogram studies, history of any breast procedures or surgeries and an OB/GYN history as part of the screening process. An additional tool available for risk assessment is the Gail Model. This tool takes into account five factors of breast health and identifies the risk of developing an invasive breast cancer over both a five year and lifetime period. The Care Coordinator can assist patients that have questions about their risk factors and indications for genetic testing.
Women who are concerned about their personal risk of developing breast cancer may be counseled by their primary health care provider, OB/GYN, surgeon, medical oncologist or genetic counselor. Genetic testing is available for patients that are determined to be at high risk for the BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutation that could predispose them to the development of breast or ovarian cancer.
Individuals found to be at increased risk of developing breast cancer may be eligible to participate in clinical trials. Patients are also eligible to be considered for MD Anderson, NCI and other clinical protocols and research.
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