High-Risk Breast Cancer Program
Some women may be at increased risk for breast cancer due to family history or other factors. For those patients who are considered high risk, we offer a number of special programs, including:
An individualized assessment of personal cancer risk will be performed in order to evaluate what role genetic factors may contribute to your risk of developing breast cancer. Genetic testing for cancer susceptibility genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, is available to provide quantitative assessment of lifetime breast and ovarian cancer risk.
Specialized Surveillance
This involves additional breast screenings using digital mammography with computer assisted detection in addition to breast ultrasound and high resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).
Ductal Lavage and Ductoscopy
Ductal Lavage and Ductoscopy are screening modalities likened to "Pap smears" of the breast. These procedures are used to detect abnormal changes in the cells lining the breast ducts before they become malignant - so breast cancer can be prevented by appropriate risk reduction strategies.
Chemopreventive Therapy
We may refer you to the Bennett Cancer Center to meet with a medical oncologist to discuss chemoprevention - taking medication, such as Tamoxifen®, to prevent breast cancer before it begins.
Risk Factors for Breast Cancer Include:
- Personal or family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer, particularly in a first-degree relative who has/had premenopausal breast cancer
- Obesity
- Prolonged estrogen exposure
- History of previous breast biopsy, particularly if the breast tissue was abnormal
- First full-term pregnancy after age of 30
- Never having a full-term pregnancy
- Heavy alcohol use
- Early start of menstruation
- Late menopause
For more information or to make an appointment please call 1-203-276-7763.
For more information or to make an appointment please call
1-877-233-WELL (9355).