Personalized Care for High Risk Breast Health

Breast health can feel overwhelming, especially when terms like "high-risk" enter the conversation. Many people hear that label and immediately fear the worst. However, being identified as high-risk is not a diagnosis. Instead, it is an invitation to take a more proactive role in personal health.

The High-Risk Breast Clinic at CommonSpirit Memorial Group - Breast Care specializes in turning that worry into a solid, personalized plan. By understanding the facts, patients can move from a place of fear to a position of strength.

What Does "High-Risk" Really Mean?

“High-risk” simply means a person has a 20% or higher chance of developing breast cancer. This is higher than the average risk, but it does not mean cancer will develop. This classification serves a vital purpose: it allows for increased  monitoring, often covered by insurance. Frequent screenings mean that if anything changes, it can be caught at the earliest possible stage, where survival rates are highest.

Common Myths and Facts

Misinformation can cause unnecessary stress. Here are three common misconceptions:

• Mammograms are dangerous: Some fear that mammograms cause or spread cancer. This is false. Mammograms are a safe, essential tool for detecting breast cancer early, often at stage zero.

• Family history guarantees a diagnosis: While genetics play a role, only 5%  to 10% of breast cancers are hereditary. Having a family member with breast cancer does not mean a diagnosis is inevitable.

• Dense tissue is a red flag: Breast density refers to the amount of fibroglandular (dense) tissue versus fatty tissue. While dense tissue can make it harder to read a standard mammogram clearly, it is not a direct indicator of cancer. It simply means the clinic may recommend additional tools, such as an MRI of the breast, for a better view.

The Power of Personalized Surveillance

Standard screenings are a great starting point, but they do not fit everyone. Personalized surveillance looks at the full picture, including family history, age, weight and breast density. The High-Risk Breast Clinic uses advanced tools, such as the Tyrer-Cuzick risk assessment model, to build a strategy. This may include:

• Clinical breast exams every six months.

• Breast imaging every six months, alternating between mammograms and MRIs.

• Genetic counseling to understand individual hereditary factors.

• Lifestyle support, including advice on diet, exercise and smoking cessation.

The "Navigator" Advantage

One of the most unique aspects of the program at Mary Ellen Locher Breast Center is the role of the breast nurse navigator. This advocate guides patients through every step of the care process, even before a formal diagnosis is made. If a biopsy is needed, the navigator explains every option, ensuring that patients feel informed and supported during one of the most challenging times in their lives.

How to Start

If you are age 40 or older, or have a family history of breast cancer, there is no wrong time to ask for an assessment. Tajuana Prater, FNP-C shares, “Early detection is the most powerful tool for survival.” Start by performing monthly self-exams and talking with your primary care clinician.

Early detection is the most powerful tool for survival. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact the High-Risk Breast Clinic at (423) 698-0304.