Women who are at high risk of developing breast cancer live with daily stress and worry, but no one should have to sit back and wait for a possible diagnosis.
At the Dorothy E. Schneider Cancer Center, we offer a Breast Cancer High Risk Program that monitors women at increased risk, and helps reduce that risk as much as possible.
We provide an in-depth evaluation based on a woman’s individual risk factors. During the initial appointment, you will meet with:
- A breast surgeon to review your personal and family history, as well as perform a clinical breast exam. The surgeon will provide options to manage increased risk such as intensive surveillance, chemoprevention and prophylactic surgery. Any recommended diagnostic exams will be ordered at the visit.
- A breast health clinical nurse specialist to discuss lifestyle modifications that reduce breast cancer risk. The nurse will make referrals to community agencies that help support the patient in making these lifestyle changes.
- A member of the Dorothy E. Schneider clinical research staff if there are appropriate risk reduction research trials.
You may also be referred to our genetic counselor if you have a personal or family history that suggests inherited cancer risk.
Our staff works in partnership with your primary care doctor and OB/Gyn to provide you with a personally tailored plan to manage your risk. This includes lifestyle changes and, when appropriate, chemoprophylaxis such as tamoxifen. Follow-up appointments are tailored to your individual risk profile.
You might be a good fit for this program if you:
- Have been diagnosed with atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) or lobular neoplasia
- Have a personal history of chest irradiation between the ages of 10 and 30 years old
- Have a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation
- Have a first-degree relative with a BRCA mutation
- Have two first-degree relatives diagnosed with breast cancer, one before age 50
- Have a first-degree relative diagnosed with ovarian cancer
- Have multiple first- or second-degree relatives with breast and/or ovarian cancer at any age
- Have a first- or second-degree relative with male breast cancer
- Have a first- or second-degree relative with breast and/or ovarian cancer and are of Ashkenazi Jewish descent
For more information or to make an appointment, call the Breast Cancer High Risk Program at (650) 342-9491.
