High Risk Patients

Are you at high risk for breast cancer?

The best way to determine your personal risk for breast cancer: Visit a breast specialist like Dr Burgers.
1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer- this equals 12.4% and is considered to be an average lifetime risk.

What factors contribute to breast cancer risk? Most of them are out of our control. The two greatest risks for development of breast cancer are being a woman and getting older. Family history also contributes to a woman’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. To help try to answer this question, genetic testing and statistical models can estimate a woman’s risk over her life of developing breast cancer.

Why do we want to estimate lifetime risk?

We would all like to be able to see into our health futures. However, our best substitute is early detection. Early detection allows clinicians to detect breast cancer when it is a just a local problem and is easily treatable.

20% lifetime risk is considered high risk.
Things that can increase a woman’s risk include:

multiple family members with breast cancer
biopsies with atypical cells
chest wall radiation
Ashkenazi Jewish heritage
along with other factors

Have you ever wondered why you fill out a questionnaire when waiting for your annual mammogram?

This information is used to calculate your risk. You can often find this number at the bottom of your mammogram report. If you are not sure where to look, ask your doctor. If you are high risk or have any question, request a referral to Dr Burgers.

A breast specialist is a physician who has dedicated their career to breast health and works with a comprehensive team knowledgeable in all areas of breast wellness including genetics, breast imaging, risk-lowering medications and surgery.

What can you expect at your first appointment?

Dr Burgers will review you imaging, personal and family history, lifestyle and other possible risk factors. You will receive a comprehensive physical exam.

Based on this information you may receive a referral for genetic testing and recommendations for additional imaging (examples are breast MRI or ultrasound).

If you are found to be high-risk,
what is the anticipated follow up?

To help aid in early detection in this group of women, high risk screening protocols have been developed. High risk screening involves additional visits and imaging to aid in detecting breast cancer early. These visits are every 6 months and include a clinical breast exam and appropriate breast imaging.

Other considerations are risk reducing surgery and risk reducing medications. These are not always necessary and will be individualized based on your risk factors.

Dr Burgers can perform risk reducing surgery, including nipple sparing mastectomies

learn more here

Dr Burgers may refer you to a breast medical oncologist to discuss risk reducing medications, if appropriate in your case.

We look forward to meeting you!

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Phone

(954) 542-6700

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Dr. Burgers' Hours

Monday - Friday:
8:30am - 5pm

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4725 N Federal Hwy,
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

By Dr. Jessica Burgers | © 2019 All Rights Reserved. Design & Development by Goldman Marketing Group | Sitemap | Privacy Policy | The information available on this web site is provided for informational purposes only. This information is not intended to replace a medical consultation where a physician's judgment may advise you about specific disorders, conditions and or treatment options. We hope the information will be useful for you to become more educated about your health care decisions.