High-Risk Breast Cancer Screening Program

If you have a family history of breast cancer, a previous abnormal breast finding or other risk factors, you may need more than routine breast cancer screening.

Emerson Health’s High-Risk Breast Cancer Screening Program provides personalized breast cancer risk assessment, screening and ongoing follow-up based on your individual needs. Our team helps you understand your risk and creates a screening plan designed for you.

Not sure if you are at high risk?

You do not need to know your exact level of breast cancer risk before asking for help. If breast cancer runs in your family, you have had a previous breast biopsy or abnormal finding, or you have concerns about your breast health, talk with your primary care provider or OB/GYN.

Your provider can help determine whether a referral to our High-Risk Breast Cancer Screening Program is right for you.

You may benefit from high-risk breast cancer screening if you:

• Have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• Have had a breast biopsy or previous abnormal breast finding that requires ongoing monitoring
• Have breast symptoms or findings that need further evaluation
• Have other personal or family risk factors that may increase your chance of developing breast cancer
• Have been identified by your primary care provider, OB/GYN or another clinician as being at increased risk

A breast screening plan designed for you.

There is no single screening schedule that is right for everyone at increased risk for breast cancer. Your care team will recommend a plan based on your age, health history, previous breast findings and individual risk.

Your first visit focuses on understanding your personal breast cancer risk and determining the screening and follow-up that are right for you.

Your care team may review your:

• Personal and family health history
• Previous mammograms, breast MRIs or other breast imaging
• Prior breast biopsy results
• Current breast symptoms or concerns

Your visit may also include a breast exam and, when appropriate, recommendations for additional or targeted breast imaging.

Your high-risk breast screening plan may include:

• Regular breast exams
• Mammograms
• Breast MRI
• Targeted breast imaging
• Ongoing monitoring of previous breast findings

For some younger patients at increased risk, breast MRI or other imaging may be recommended before routine mammography begins.

Most importantly, you will know what screening you need, when you need it and what comes next.

If your screening identifies something that needs additional evaluation, you have access to Emerson Health’s comprehensive breast care services. Our coordinated breast care program connects patients with the services they may need.