Breast Cancer High-Risk Program

As part of our comprehensive cancer care, UC San Diego Health offers screening services for women who may have an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

High-risk screening is relatively new but holds great promise in both prevention and early diagnosis. If you're interested in our screening services, you can contact us directly or ask your physician or genetic counselor for a referral. 

Am I at Higher Risk of Breast Cancer?

You may be at higher risk for breast cancer if you:

  • Have multiple family members with breast cancer or ovarian cancer 
  • Carry a genetic mutation (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2) that increases breast cancer risk, or having a first-degree family member with a BRCA mutation
  • Have a family member with breast or ovarian cancer and being of Ashkenazi Jewish descent
  • Have had multiple breast biopsies or multiple benign masses or growths in your breasts
  • Have been diagnosed with atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH), lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) or lobular neoplasia

Breast Cancer Screening Services

Your first consult will be with a nurse practitioner. Your medical and family history will then be reviewed by a team of breast cancer specialists from the Comprehensive Breast Health Center and Family Cancer Genetics Program.

Your provider will then recommend the next steps to prevent, detect and (if necessary) treat cancer. This can include:

  • Frequent screenings using advanced breast imaging technologies, including 3D mammography, ultrasound, molecular breast imaging and MRI
  • Referrals to specialists in gynecology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, or occupational therapy
  • Genetic testing to determine whether you have a genetic mutation associated with breast cancer
  • Risk-reducing medications such as tamoxifen
  • Surgical intervention, which could include breast-conservation surgery, prophylactic or preventive mastectomy, or reconstruction

Testing for Hereditary Breast Cancer

Learn About Your Risk

Up to 10 percent of all breast cancers are caused by genetic changes or mutations that can be inherited. Mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are understood to be responsible for most cases of inherited breast cancer. We offer genetic testing to identify BRCA and other mutations. Testing can be completed with a simple blood or oral swab test.

Breast Health Specialists

Make an appointment with one of our breast health specialists to prevent or detect cancer early, when it is most treatable.

Cancer Prevention Through Lifestyle

You may be able to reduce your cancer risk and improve how you feel with certain lifestyle improvements.

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