Risk Assessment
It Starts with Your Genes. Do you know about your risk for breast cancer? Do you have a hereditary gene mutation that puts you or your family members at higher risk for breast and other cancers?
There are a number of benefits to patients who discover their risk for hereditary genetic gene mutations for breast cancer. This can provide patients the opportunity to understand and in many cases, manage cancer risk and make decisions about treatment. Genetic testing also allows family members to learn about their own cancer risks.
Breastlink Orange
230 S Main St, #100, Orange, CA 92868 | (714) 571-5900
Breastlink Newport Beach
1441 Avocado Ave, #301, Newport Beach, CA 92660 | (949) 272-2095
Breastlink Park Central
3115 N Third Avenue, Suite S-140, Phoenix AZ 85013 | (602) 277-4111
Should You Have Genetic Testing?
If you answered "YES" to any of the following questions, hereditary cancer genetic testing may be an option for you
- Have you/your family members been diagnosed with cancer at a young age (<50 years old)?
- Have 3 or more people on the same side of your family had cancer?
- Have you/your family members been diagnosed with more than one cancer?
- Has anyone in your family been found to have a cancer gene mutation?
- Have you/your family members been diagnosed with cancers that are usually rare, like ovarian cancer or male breast cancer?
- Are you of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry?
Genetic Testing at Breastlink
At Breastlink, we believe that knowledge is power, that’s why we’re working in collaboration with Ambry Genetics to help patients identify and understand their risk.
Patients referred to Breastlink for a mammogram will have the voluntary option to complete a brief, no-charge High-Risk Assessment questionnaire. Based on the results of this survey, the patient will be informed as to whether it is recommended that she receive genetic testing for hereditary cancer risk, based on established guidelines.
The genetic testing offered at Breastlink screens for 8 major cancers and syndromes using a 36-gene panel, with the majority of genes having NCCN-recommended medical management guidelines. Clinical management recommendations are also provided.
The continued goal at Breastlink is to provide the most comprehensive breast care for all patients, and high-risk assessment has become a vital component of this care.
Knowing Your Risk for Breast Cancer
Can Impact Your Imaging Plan
Breast cancer risk can be influenced by a variety of factors. For women identified as having an increased risk for breast cancer, earlier and more frequent breast cancer screening as well as considering preventive options may be necessary. 1-4
| Diagnostic Screening Plan for Risk Level 1-4 |  General Population Risk |
 Personal/Family History Risk Factors |
 Genetic Risk Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Breast Exam | Annually | Every 6 Months | Every 6 Months |
| Mammogram * | Annually | Annually | Annually |
| Breast MRI * | - | Annually | Annually |
| Consider Preventative Surgery | - | - | Yes |
* Age may vary
REFERENCES
1. American College of Obstetricians-Gynecologists. Practice Bulletin No. 179: Breast cancer screening. Obstet Gynecol. 2017 July
2. Adapted from American College of Radiology Practice Guidelines. https://www.acr.org/-/media/ACR/Files/Practice-Parameters/mr-contrast-breast.pdf
3. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology®. Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis. V.1.2019, May 17, 2019. Available at nccn.org.
4. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology®. Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment: Breast and Ovarian. V.1.2020 - December 4, 2020. Available at nccn.org.
Get the Answers You Need from the Comfort of Your Home
Virtual appointments are available with the same breast surgeon, oncologist or specialist you will see when you come into one of our Breastlink centers. Virtulink appointments offer the same level of V.I.P. service straight from your tablet, phone or computer.
Call us at Breastlink to set up a Virtulink appointment, or to see if you’re eligible to use Virtulink.
(714) 571-5900
