High-Risk Breast Clinic.

Abstract

Individuals who are at a high risk for breast cancer are a unique population. These women and men may be eligible for additional screenings for breast cancer and require education that can help reduce the risk of breast cancer. There are several risk factors, such as smoking and obesity, that can be modifiable to help reduce the risk for developing breast cancer. Currently, there are limited data on the number of high-risk programs that provide additional screening recommendations and education to patients in this population, across the country. The need to create a thorough and inclusive program that includes education for providers and patients, the latest technology in mammography, and other breast screening techniques and routine clinic visits for high-risk breast cancer patients was recognized at a cancer center in southeast Louisiana. The creation of the high-risk breast (HRB) clinic has helped ensure patients are receiving the standard of care, ensure providers are up to date on the latest guidelines, and has improved patient satisfaction across this population. The creation of this clinic has evolved over the past 3 years, including a standardization model for this population, an increase in weight loss referrals prompting interest in a weight loss clinic within the HRB clinic, and multidisciplinary monthly team meetings.