High Risk Breast Program at Sentara Martha Jefferson
What does high risk mean?
A woman may be at high risk of breast cancer if she has certain risk factors. These risk factors include a family history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or other inherited types of cancer; BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations; chest radiation treatments at a young age; and a history of high-risk breast biopsy results. Women without these risk factors are at average risk. This does not mean that you will develop breast cancer, but knowing that you are at high risk can help you make important decisions about your health care. Preventions, screening and early detection are your best weapons against this disease.
Who is at risk for breast cancer?
Being female and getting older are the two biggest risk factors for breast cancer. Even men can get breast cancer, although it is much more common for women. The presence of certain conditions can increase the likelihood that you may develop breast cancer in your lifetime. However, it is important to remember that all women, with or without risk factors, need to follow recommended screening guidelines.
Be aware that anytime a woman has any changes in her breasts she should be examined by a health care provider, even if she had a recent mammogram that was negative. Changes may include lumps or bumps, red rashy skin, dimpling of the skin, nipple discharge, or a nipple that starts to sink in.
Breast cancer screening guidelines
We recommend women with an average risk of breast cancer have clinical breast exams every 1-3 years from ages 25-39. Once a woman is 40-years-old, we recommend she have a clinical exam every year, as well as mammography screening. Our in-office 3D mammography service allows you to have your annual screening mammogram as part of your annual Well Woman exam or during any appointment. Almost all insurance companies cover 3D mammograms. However, insurance plans vary so we advise all patients to check their specific plan details. If you are at high risk for breast cancer we will refer you to Sentara Martha Jefferson to determine their best screening plan. A screening plan may include starting mammograms at an earlier age, having breast MRIs, or taking medicine to prevent breast cancer.
Breast cancer is often found by a woman herself. This happens in almost half of all cases in women 50 and older, and in women younger than 50, more than 70% of breast cancer cases are found by the women themselves.
Not sure how to start a breast self-exam? Follow these 4 steps.
What is included in the program?
When you contact the High Risk Breast Program you will speak to a Nurse Practitioner. The Nurse Practitioner will ask you questions about your personal and family history to determine if you are a candidate for the program. Depending on your particular needs, the program may include:
Increased surveillance using mammography, ultrasound and/or breast MRI
Education about lifestyle factors that can affect your risk profile
Preventive therapies/clinical trials
Nutrition counseling
Exercise programs
Genetic counseling and/or testing
Prophylactic surgery
If you think you may be at high risk for breast cancer and would like to find out, contact Sentara Martha Jefferson.
