Am I at high risk for breast cancer?

Our Genetics Counseling Program helps identify individuals who may be at high risk for developing cancer. Armed with this information, individuals and their physicians can plan preventive measures, or a cancer can be identified early in when it is most curable.

The Cancer Genetics Counseling Program provides:

• Confidential hereditary cancer risk assessment and counseling
• Access to on-going local and national cancer genetics research studies
• Education for patients, health care professionals and the community
• Genetic testing and DNA banking when appropriate

About 5% - 10% of all cancers can be passed on from generation to generation. Click here for a free, confidential online assessment.

St. Luke's helps women with a significant risk of developing breast cancer proactively minimize that risk.

Preconsultation

The first step is a phone or in-person interview covering your health history, your family health history, gynecologic care practices and other risk factors. This information serves as the basis to determine if any additional assessment tools, such as genetic testing, are needed.

Consultation

During the 1-on-1 consultation with the breast care physician and genetic counselor, you not only gain an understanding of your individual risk, but you also learn how genetics may play a role in the development of breast cancer, and steps you can take to reduce the risk.  

The consultation includes:

• A review of your family history, with an emphasis on cancer occurrence
• Your individual risk assessment based on family history and other known risk factors
• Proper breast self-exam instruction
• A discussion about the availability of state-of-the-art procedures to further determine your level of risk, if needed or desired
• A discussion of surveillance and medical management strategies for the early detection or prevention of cancer

Further assessment

For many women, the consultation may provide the information they need to gain piece of mind and a plan to manage their risk. For others, further assessment and testing may be suggested or desired to further evaluate the level of breast cancer risk. 

For more on genetic counseling, click here.

Next steps to high risk breast care

Once a woman understands her own unique risk, the High Risk Clinic staff will discuss options available to help reduce this risk and help develop a plan of action.

Depending on your risk level, options range from on-going close monitoring, to use of medications, such as Tamoxifen, to participation in clinical trials comparing preventive medications to preventive surgery. 

To make an appointment

To make an appointment or for more information, call the St. Luke's High Risk Clinic at 414-385-2301. If you have any questions or concerns about cancer please call the Vince Lombardi Cancer Hotline at 1-800-252-2990.

For doctors specializing in breast health, click here.