High-Risk Breast Care

Having a higher risk of breast cancer doesn’t mean you’ll develop the disease, but it may mean you benefit from more personalized screening and monitoring.  High-risk breast care is tailored to your medical history, family history, and individual risk factors and often includes genetic testing and increased frequency of breast imaging. Dr. Waterman will help you understand your risk and develop a proactive plan for protecting your breast health.

Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

What is high-risk breast care?

High-risk breast care is specialized care for people who have a greater-than-average chance of developing breast cancer. The goal is to understand your unique risk and create a screening and prevention plan based on your needs.

Being considered high risk doesn’t mean you have breast cancer or that you’ll eventually develop it. Instead, knowing your risk can help you and Dr. Waterman make informed decisions about screening, monitoring, and other steps that may support early detection or reduce your risk.

Who may benefit from high-risk breast care?

Many factors can influence your lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. You may benefit from a high-risk breast evaluation if you have:

• A strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• Premenopausal breast cancer in a first-degree relative
• A personal history of breast cancer
• Certain inherited genetic mutations associated with breast cancer
• A previous breast biopsy showing certain high-risk findings
• Dense breast tissue
• A history of radiation therapy to the chest at a young age
• Other factors associated with an increased breast cancer risk

What does high-risk breast cancer screening involve?

Your screening plan depends on your individual risk factors. While routine mammograms are an important part of breast cancer screening, patients at higher risk may benefit from additional or more frequent imaging.

Depending on your needs, Dr. Waterman may recommend mammography, breast ultrasound, breast MRI, or other advanced imaging. She can also help determine how often you should have screening based on your risk profile.

Can I reduce my risk of breast cancer?

Some breast cancer risk factors, such as age, family history, and genetics, can’t be changed. However, understanding these factors allows you to take a more proactive approach to your breast health.

Dr. Waterman will discuss risk-reduction strategies based on your individual circumstances. This may include lifestyle recommendations, enhanced surveillance, genetic testing when appropriate, medications that can lower breast cancer risk for certain patients, or preventive surgery for people with a significantly elevated risk.

High-risk breast care is an ongoing process, and your plan may change as your health, family history, or risk factors evolve.

If you’re concerned about your breast cancer risk or have been told you may be at increased risk, call Green Mountain Breast Care Center or schedule an appointment online today.