Understanding high risk for breast cancer, preventive care options

Most women have about a 13% chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime; but those considered at high risk have at least a 20% chance.

Dr. Qing Zhao, Breast Medical Oncologist at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, joined “Arizona Horizon” to discuss what it means to be high risk.

Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center has a High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic within their facilities, the first of its kind in the state. It’s dedicated to providing preventative care and coaching for individuals considered at high risk of developing the disease.

“Our clinic is dedicated just to take care of women who have a higher chance of developing breast cancer in their lifetime,” Dr. Zhao said.

Dr. Zhao defined high risk as someone who may have a family history of breast cancer patients.

“So if you think you are high risk, because of family history or genetic mutations,” Dr. Zhao said. “You come in, and you sit with us, and we have a provider take your personal history and family history. Then we calculate the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.”

Dr. Zhao also discussed what it means to be high risk, the factors that can increase one’s risk (factors that can’t be changed, like aging, and ones that can be, such as being physically active), how someone can lower their risk, and, from a high level, what we are seeing here in the Valley when it comes to high-risk cases.