Completing a breast cancer risk assessment gives women the knowledge and awareness to help make informed decisions about their breast health, ThedaCare said.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to help raise awareness and educate people about breast cancer. ThedaCare is joining the campaign, reinforcing the importance of early detection.
“Breast cancer risk assessment can help guide women and their care teams in determining the most appropriate screening type and schedule,” said Dr. Honnie Bermas, a Breast and Oncology Surgeon. “It can also prompt women to take steps to improve their health so they can reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.”
ThedaCare’s accreditation through the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers requires that all women who complete diagnostic or screening mammography or imaging must also receive a risk assessment.
A breast cancer risk assessment is a tool that can help predict the likelihood that someone will develop breast cancer at some point in their life. Overall, the average risk of a woman developing breast cancer in her lifetime is approximately 13%, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
An assessment typically consists of completing a detailed questionnaire. A physician or other provider may gather information and ask questions pertaining to, among other factors:
- Age, race/ethnicity
- Breast density
- Childbirth/breastfeeding history
- Body mass index (BMI)
- Previous breast biopsies
- History of breast cancer
- Family history of breast cancer and other cancer types
Understanding the Results
No assessment can predict with certainty whether a woman will develop breast cancer. It’s about helping identify risk and taking steps to monitor and reduce the risks, Dr. Bermas said.
“The risk level assigned to a woman can help guide screening recommendations,” she said. “For example, we may determine that a woman might benefit from other types of screenings in addition to a mammogram.”
Mammography recommendations vary by organization but most agree that women should begin screening mammograms by age 40. Women should talk with their doctor or provider about whether to complete screening mammograms every year or every other year, Dr. Bermas said.
If a woman is at higher risk for breast cancer, a doctor may recommend additional screening such as a breast MRI. Screening breast MRIs would be used in addition to mammography, not instead of, Dr. Bermas advised.
“A breast MRI might have an opportunity to pick up some cancers not visible on a mammogram,” she said. “It also can lead to false positives, which may in turn lead to unnecessary invasive testing and distress for the woman. Your doctor will talk with you about the pros and cons of additional testing.”
If a woman is at especially high risk or has specific circumstances or risk factors, a doctor also may recommend genetic testing and counseling.
Guiding Positive Choices
A breast cancer risk assessment may prompt helpful discussion around positive lifestyle steps women can take to reduce their risk. Some risk factors, people can change. These are called modifiable. Non-modifiable risk factors, on the other hand, include age, race/ethnicity, breast density and family and personal breast cancer history, Dr. Bermas explained.
A doctor or advanced practice provider may discuss:
- Limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption. Drinking alcohol may raise a woman’s risk for developing breast cancer. The ACS recommends abstaining from alcohol.
- Maintaining a healthy weight. Being overweight or obesity after menopause may increase a woman’s breast cancer risk. A doctor or provider can discuss strategies to help with weight loss or maintenance.
- Staying active. The ACS said physical activity reduces breast cancer risk, especially in post-menopausal women. Many organizations recommend getting 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week. Women can start small and work their way up.
“Taking care of your breast health starts with talking to your primary care provider about your individual health factors and completing mammograms on the schedule recommended to you,” Dr. Bermas said. “Through completing breast cancer risk assessments, we’re working toward identifying women at increased risk for breast cancer and recommending appropriate interventions, which may lead to the best outcomes.”
People interested in scheduling a breast health exam are encouraged to visit MyThedaCare to schedule a mammogram or an appointment with a primary care provider.
