High Risk Breast Program

TriHealth’s High-Risk Breast Program brings together experts in cancer prevention and detection to be a resource for you. The program provides personalized cancer risk review, education, and individualized screening plans with a team approach.

How do I know if I am at risk of breast cancer?

About 1 in 8 (12%) women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. However, some are at a greater risk of having the disease than others. Some factors we can change, such as nutrition or exercise, and others we can’t, such as age or genetics. You may want to consider a visit if you have one or more of the following:

• Have been told by a physician that you have an increased risk for developing breast cancer
• Increased risk based on a risk assessment model showing lifetime risk >20%
  • You and your doctor can use results from a breast cancer risk assessment to determine if you have an increased risk for developing breast cancer
• Have a family history of breast cancer, especially if the cancer occurred before the age of 50 or a male breast cancer
• Personal or family history of a breast cancer gene mutation
• Certain breast biopsy findings (such as atypical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ)
• Received radiation treatment to the chest between the age of 10 to 30 years

It’s important to remember that just because you may have one or more of these risk factors, it doesn’t mean you will develop cancer. You may be at a higher risk than the general population and based on national guidelines, those at increased risk can benefit from preventative care.

At TriHealth we work with you prior to scheduling to complete an electronic risk assessment and review results. Our CARE (Cancer Assessment Risk Education) process will help identify if you have increased hereditary risk or if you have an increased risk for breast cancer in comparison to the general population.

Benefits of receiving your breast care at TriHealth’s High-Risk Breast Program

• Certified High-Risk Navigator to evaluate your breast cancer risk and walk you through what to expect at your visit
• Specialists will listen to your concerns, help you weigh your options, and develop a plan 
• Personalized approach and action plan based on your risk factors and family history 
• Advanced imaging tools, such as breast MRI and breast tomosynthesis (3D mammograms) 
• Referrals to support services including nutrition, smoking cessation, behavioral health, exercise and weight loss program 
• Robust team of licensed Genetic Counselors for additional support 
• Access to research and the ability to participate in clinical trials, when available 

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Experts

High-Risk Clinical Team

Our high risk clinic providers are specially trained to assess a patient's risk of breast cancer and offer strategies for risk reduction. To accomplish this, they complete personalized risk models, review lifestyle and medical strategies to lower cancer risk, perform a clinical breast exam and coordinate breast imaging.

Breast Surgeons

Our fellowship trained breast surgeons specialize in the treatment of benign and malignant breast disease. In the high-risk breast program, they coordinate high-risk screening, provide counsel to genetic carriers and perform risk reducing mastectomy when appropriate.

Our Certified High-Risk Breast Navigator

At the core of our program is our certified High-Risk Breast Navigator. Our Navigator has completed training through the National Consortium of Breast Centers to become an expert in breast health and cancer risk factors. In the High-Risk Program, the navigator schedules a phone call to review your referral, discuss appointment options, and offer resources based on your interests.