Sentara’s High Risk Breast Program Helps Women Manage Their Breast Cancer Risk
Many women worry about breast cancer, especially if it runs in their family. But there are things women can do to protect their health—and Sentara’s High Risk Breast Program is here to help.
The program is designed to identify and support women at increased risk of developing breast cancer.
“Often, women feel uneasy because so many relatives have had breast cancer. They’re concerned about their cancer risk, but they haven’t found the right person to talk to about it,” says Mary W. Berry, NP, a nurse practitioner at Sentara Surgery Specialists—Surgical Oncology in Newport News. “We can help you put the pieces together and recommend where to go from here.”
Women may be considered high risk if they have:
• Family history of breast cancer, especially if their relative was diagnosed before age 50
• Family history of pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer or aggressive prostate cancer
• Started their period before age 12 or started menopause after age 55
• Never had children
• Had a first pregnancy after age 30
• Dense breast tissue
While other factors can influence your cancer risk, a history of cancer in the family is usually one of the most important considerations. “We look for red flags in family history,” says Vicky Gaddis, PA-C, a physician assistant at Sentara Surgery Specialists in Norfolk and Virginia Beach.
If you do have a higher risk, the providers at the High Risk Breast Program can help. “We’re here to answer your questions and educate you about your cancer risk,” Berry says. “We want our patients to be well informed and not to be fearful. And if we don’t know the answer to your question, we’ll find the answer for you.”
That appointment usually includes several parts:
• Clinical (physical) exam
• A detailed history of personal and family risk factors
• Drawing a three-generation family tree to map out hereditary cancer risk
• A discussion of other risk factors
“During that appointment, we’ll also determine whether you qualify for genetic testing,” Gaddis explains. Genetic tests can identify whether you have certain gene changes, like BRCA1 or BRCA2, that can increase the risk of some hereditary cancers.
Both Gaddis and Berry have additional training in genetic risk assessment, so they can help you understand your options. They can explain what the genetic tests can and can’t show and how the results might affect you and your family members. With that information, they can help you determine if genetic testing is right for you.
Using guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, your provider determines how often you should get mammograms and whether you would benefit from additional screening, such as breast MRI.
The program also helps women connect with specialists who can help them decide what steps to take to reduce their risk. Some women might benefit from taking medications such as tamoxifen or raloxifene (which reduce the risk of some types of breast cancer in women with certain risk factors). Others may choose other preventive options, including surgery.
Whatever patients choose, they’re connected with the right specialists to get the care they need. “It’s a very streamlined process. We work closely with Sentara’s breast centers to help patients get the care they need based on their personal risk profile,” Gaddis says.
Talking about cancer risk is never easy. But with the High Risk Breast Program, women get the education and support they need to make informed choices about their health. “We’re here to empower women,” Gaddis says. “We don’t make decisions for you. We give you the knowledge so you can make the best decisions for yourself.”
Learn more about Sentara’s High Risk Breast Program and schedule a mammogram near you.
The program is designed to identify and support women at increased risk of developing breast cancer.
“Often, women feel uneasy because so many relatives have had breast cancer. They’re concerned about their cancer risk, but they haven’t found the right person to talk to about it,” says Mary W. Berry, NP, a nurse practitioner at Sentara Surgery Specialists—Surgical Oncology in Newport News. “We can help you put the pieces together and recommend where to go from here.”
Understanding Breast Cancer Risk Factors
How do you know if you’re high risk? For most women, the process usually starts during a routine mammogram. During that appointment, you answer some questions about your family history and other risk factors.Women may be considered high risk if they have:
• Family history of breast cancer, especially if their relative was diagnosed before age 50
• Family history of pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer or aggressive prostate cancer
• Started their period before age 12 or started menopause after age 55
• Never had children
• Had a first pregnancy after age 30
• Dense breast tissue
While other factors can influence your cancer risk, a history of cancer in the family is usually one of the most important considerations. “We look for red flags in family history,” says Vicky Gaddis, PA-C, a physician assistant at Sentara Surgery Specialists in Norfolk and Virginia Beach.
If you do have a higher risk, the providers at the High Risk Breast Program can help. “We’re here to answer your questions and educate you about your cancer risk,” Berry says. “We want our patients to be well informed and not to be fearful. And if we don’t know the answer to your question, we’ll find the answer for you.”
Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer
The High Risk Breast Program starts with a comprehensive hour-long appointment. Our specialists educate you about cancer risk, go over your history and answer your questions.That appointment usually includes several parts:
• Clinical (physical) exam
• A detailed history of personal and family risk factors
• Drawing a three-generation family tree to map out hereditary cancer risk
• A discussion of other risk factors
“During that appointment, we’ll also determine whether you qualify for genetic testing,” Gaddis explains. Genetic tests can identify whether you have certain gene changes, like BRCA1 or BRCA2, that can increase the risk of some hereditary cancers.
Both Gaddis and Berry have additional training in genetic risk assessment, so they can help you understand your options. They can explain what the genetic tests can and can’t show and how the results might affect you and your family members. With that information, they can help you determine if genetic testing is right for you.
Comprehensive Care to Reduce Cancer Risk
After your initial appointment, your provider helps you plan next steps. “Each patient gets a personalized plan just for them, based on their risk and family history,” Gaddis says.Using guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, your provider determines how often you should get mammograms and whether you would benefit from additional screening, such as breast MRI.
The program also helps women connect with specialists who can help them decide what steps to take to reduce their risk. Some women might benefit from taking medications such as tamoxifen or raloxifene (which reduce the risk of some types of breast cancer in women with certain risk factors). Others may choose other preventive options, including surgery.
Whatever patients choose, they’re connected with the right specialists to get the care they need. “It’s a very streamlined process. We work closely with Sentara’s breast centers to help patients get the care they need based on their personal risk profile,” Gaddis says.
Talking about cancer risk is never easy. But with the High Risk Breast Program, women get the education and support they need to make informed choices about their health. “We’re here to empower women,” Gaddis says. “We don’t make decisions for you. We give you the knowledge so you can make the best decisions for yourself.”
Learn more about Sentara’s High Risk Breast Program and schedule a mammogram near you.