FAQs: High Risk for Breast Cancer
Are there ways to lower my risk? How should I do self-examinations? Learn the answers to these and other common questions about breast care if you are at a higher risk for breast cancer.
Being a "high-risk" patient does not mean you are certain to develop breast cancer.
This term refers to those who carry a genetic marker or have family history of breast cancer that can increase the possibility of developing a type of breast cancer.
If you are considered at risk of developing breast cancer, you can take charge of your health by talking to your doctor and following the recommendations for receiving regular mammograms and other examinations.
Watch: Am I at Increased Risk?
It's important to empower yourself with knowledge of your own risk factors for breast cancer.
Depending on your level of risk, your physician could refer you to the high-risk breast cancer prevention program. This program is a diverse team of care providers that includes:
- Genetic counselors
- Dietitians
- Social workers
- Lifestyle counselors
Your First Visit
The first visit under the high-risk breast cancer prevention program at IU Health provides you the opportunity to voice your concerns to a physician who is there to listen to you.
Your appointment will be at the IU Health Simon Cancer Center. Learn more about parking options, amenities and services offered at the IU Health Simon Cancer Center.
Your appointment will last approximately one hour and will always be with an experienced and specialized breast cancer provider from the IU Health Simon Cancer Center.
During your visit, you can expect the following:
- The physician will take an extensive review of your health history. He or she will use proven methods as well as their clinical experience to determine your level of risk.
- The physician will discuss ways in which you can reduce risk, including exercise, lifestyle behaviors and medications.
- You will work directly with our breast cancer physicians at the IU Health Simon Cancer Center to develop a comprehensive individualized surveillance plan to help manage your risk.
Watch: Breast Cancer Prevention Program Benefits
In this video, learn about the innovative high-risk breast cancer prevention program at IU Health that develops individualized surveillance plans to help manage each woman's risk of developing breast cancer.
A Personalized Plan
Our highly-skilled physicians will provide you with a personalized plan that fits your individual needs. This plan consists of a 360 degree approach that provides:
- State-of-the-art screening options and frequency based on your level of risk
- Detailed discussion of your family history and genetic counseling, if indicated
- Support for lifestyle changes to reduce your personal risk of breast cancer
- Education on potential preventative therapies
- Opportunities to engage in clinical research, if appropriate
What to Expect
If you are considered at risk of developing breast cancer, you can take charge of your health by talking to your doctor and following the recommendations for receiving regular mammograms and other examinations.
Watch: Am I at Increased Risk?
It's important to empower yourself with knowledge of your own risk factors for breast cancer.
Depending on your level of risk, your physician could refer you to the high-risk breast cancer prevention program. This program is a diverse team of care providers that includes:
- Genetic counselors
- Dietitians
- Social workers
- Lifestyle counselors
Your First Visit
The first visit under the high-risk breast cancer prevention program at IU Health provides you the opportunity to voice your concerns to a physician who is there to listen to you.
Your appointment will be at the IU Health Simon Cancer Center. Learn more about parking options, amenities and services offered at the IU Health Simon Cancer Center.
Your appointment will last approximately one hour and will always be with an experienced and specialized breast cancer provider from the IU Health Simon Cancer Center.
During your visit, you can expect the following:
- The physician will take an extensive review of your health history. He or she will use proven methods as well as their clinical experience to determine your level of risk.
- The physician will discuss ways in which you can reduce risk, including exercise, lifestyle behaviors and medications.
- You will work directly with our breast cancer physicians at the IU Health Simon Cancer Center to develop a comprehensive individualized surveillance plan to help manage your risk.
Watch: Breast Cancer Prevention Program Benefits
In this video, learn about the innovative high-risk breast cancer prevention program at IU Health that develops individualized surveillance plans to help manage each woman's risk of developing breast cancer.
A Personalized Plan
Our highly-skilled physicians will provide you with a personalized plan that fits your individual needs. This plan consists of a 360 degree approach that provides:
- State-of-the-art screening options and frequency based on your level of risk
- Detailed discussion of your family history and genetic counseling, if indicated
- Support for lifestyle changes to reduce your personal risk of breast cancer
- Education on potential preventative therapies
- Opportunities to engage in clinical research, if appropriate
If you believe you may be at risk, schedule an appointment with one of our highly-skilled physicians.
Find a ProviderFrequently Asked Questions About Being High Risk for Breast Cancer
What is the BRCA gene mutation and could I carry it?
When it is functioning normally, BRCA is a gene that makes proteins to help repair damage to DNA and stop tumor growth. Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene are inherited in families and can lead to an increased risk of certain cancers, including breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancer, among others.
The gene can be inherited from either a person’s mother or their father. There are certain “red flags” in families that might make us worry about a BRCA mutation, including history of multiple different cancers, male breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or cancers diagnosed at a young age.
If indicated, testing for a BRCA mutation typically consists of a blood test. Results can be very important in determining the most appropriate cancer screening and methods to reduce cancer risk.
Are there other genetic mutations that increase my breast cancer risk?
Yes. The more we learn, the more we discover that there are many other mutations that increase the risk for breast cancer. These include genes like PALB2, CHEK2, P53, and others. The risk from each of these mutations is variable.
A physician or genetic counselor can use information about your family history to determine whether testing for these other mutations would be indicated.
What are the early warning signs of breast cancer that should prompt medical evaluation?
The majority of breast cancers have no symptoms and are detected during screening with mammogram or other breast imaging studies.
However, some warning signs include:
- A new lump in the breast or in the armpit
- Dimpling or thickening of the breast skin
- New redness on the skin
- New pulling in of the nipple
- Nipple discharge
- Change in shape or contour of the breast
- New and persistent breast pain.
If you have any symptoms that might worry you, please contact your doctor.
What are the best ways to image my breast?
There are many different ways to image the breast, including 2D or 3D mammogram, breast ultrasound, and breast MRI. The “best” way to image the breast depends on your individual breasts and your risk factors for breast cancer.
For most women, a mammogram once a year is the best way to screen for breast cancer. For some women with dense breast tissue, a 3D mammogram or ultrasound may enhance screening. Many factors may indicate that a women is at an increased risk of developing breast cancer.
Some of these factors include having undergone previous breast biopsies, family history of cancer, or having a known genetic mutation. For these women identified as “high risk”, additional imaging with a breast MRI may be the best option.
Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor or breast radiologist about these choices and what’s best for you if you have any questions. In the breast cancer prevention program, we discuss each of these options to come up with the right plan for each individual.
It’s also important to remember that recommendations may vary over time as new technology is available and more information is gathered about the best screening methods.
How often should I do self-examinations?
Currently, we do not recommend breast self-exams as a screening tool for breast cancer. However, it is important to be familiar with the way your breasts look and feel so you can be aware of any changes.
Are there ways to lower my level of risk?
Yes! There are many things about your risk of breast cancer, such as your family history, that you cannot change. However, there are also many risk factors that you can change.
We know from good scientific evidence that a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer. This includes:
- Maintaining a healthy body weight (or BMI)
- Being physically active
- Regularly exercising
- Eating a healthy diet
- Limiting alcohol intake
Breastfeeding and limiting exposure to hormone replacement therapy can also lower your risk. In addition, there are certain prescription medications, such as Tamoxifen, that can lower risk of breast cancer in women who are at high risk.
Resources
FAQs: High Risk for Breast Cancer
Are there ways to lower my risk? How should I do self-examinations? Learn the answers to these and other common questions about breast care if you are at a higher risk for breast cancer.