NCH High Risk Breast Clinic

At Northwest Community Healthcare (NCH), we use the latest technology and evidence-based medicine to evaluate your personal and family history to determine if you may have a higher-than-average risk for developing breast cancer.

Our High Risk Breast Clinic is designed to empower you to manage your risk for breast cancer. Knowing your risk means prevention and early detection may be possible. Our highly trained team will counsel and partner with you to recommend the best personalized screening and prevention methods for you and your family.

Understanding Your Risk

Every woman who comes to an NCH Breast Imaging Center for screening receives a complimentary risk assessment before her mammogram is performed. If you are found to have an elevated lifetime risk for developing breast cancer, you will be advised to visit our High Risk Breast Clinic. Common risk factors include:

A family history of breast or ovarian cancer
A personal history of ovarian or breast cancer
A mother, sister or daughter with a history of breast cancer or known BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 gene mutation
A male relative with breast cancer
Atypical cells detected during a breast biopsy
Radiation therapy to the chest between the age of 10 and 30 years
Dense breasts

At our High Risk Breast clinic, you will meet one on one with a trained provider under the guidance of a Breast surgeon. Your visit will include:

A clinical breast exam
Education about breast self-exams
Assessment of breast cancer risk including risk of carrying a genetic mutation
A personalized surveillance plan
Prevention strategies including lifestyle modifications

Expertise and Support, Along With A Plan For You

Our High Risk Breast Clinic team includes fellowship-trained breast surgeons, specially trained nurses and other team members who coordinate scheduling and pre-authorization of diagnostic imaging tests. They also provide referrals for resources and support, such as psychological counseling and nutrition information.

Based on your risk factors, you may receive recommendations for additional breast cancer screening or further evaluation with genetic counseling. In some cases, patients may receive referrals to medical oncologists or other specialists to discuss risk-reducing drug therapy or screening recommendations for other types of cancer. Surgical risk reduction strategies also may be discussed.

How to Prepare For Your Visit

Bring any breast imaging disks and report results (mammogram, ultrasound, breast MRI) from another healthcare system if outside of NCH facilities
Provide information about prior breast biopsies or surgeries, if applicable
Bring genetic testing results for you or family members, if applicable
Obtain information about your family’s health history, especially history of any type of cancer and age at diagnosis

Together, you and our High Risk Breast Clinic team will develop a plan customized to your specific needs and risk factors.

Ask your physician for a referral to the High Risk Breast Clinic or call 847-618-3800 to schedule an appointment.