High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic

If You're at High Risk for Breast Cancer...

Scott & White’s High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic offers new hope for women at high risk for the disease. Overseen by Dr. Kathy Kimmey, the clinic’s purpose is to assess risk, counsel patients about reducing their risk and provide follow-up care.

“All women are at risk for breast cancer,” says Dr. Kimmey. “But those facing the highest risks may consider options ranging from conservative observation to prophylactic mastectomy. Medications are also available to reduce risk.”

When genetic risk factors are identified, genetic counseling and testing may also be employed.

“While breast cancer is usually sporadic, some women may have a genetic predisposition or be otherwise at higher risk for the disease,” explains Dr. Kimmey. “Hereditary breast cancer, estimated to account for between 7 and 10 percent of such cancers, is associated with two specific gene mutations often shared among family members.”

Women at high risk based on age and personal medical history are candidates for the high-risk clinic. The clinic also serves women whose family members:

• Have been diagnosed with breast cancer under age 50
• Have breast and ovarian cancer
• Have ovarian cancer at any age
• Have men in the family with breast cancer
• Have bilateral breast cancer
• Are Ashkenazi Jew

Preventive Care for Breast Cancer

Medical science can identify women at high risk for developing breast cancer, says Dr. Kimmey. Utilizing a mathematical formula called the Gail Model, a woman’s risk for developing breast cancer during the next five years can be determined.

High risk women do have options to reduce their risk for breast cancer. These options, which may be explored at the High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic, include:

• Conservative therapy, watchful waiting.
  Monthly breast examination and an annual breast exam by their primary care provider are essential for all women. A yearly mammogram is recommended for women over 40. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and sharply limiting alcohol are also key prevention strategies.
• Surgical therapy, removal of both breasts.
  This is the most radical approach women may take to reduce breast cancer risk. A Mayo Clinic study determined that women undergoing bilateral prophylactic mastectomies, or removal of both breasts, reduced their risk of developing the disease by 90 percent.
• Drug therapy

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