High-Risk Breast Cancer Program
If you face a higher risk for breast cancer, Atrium Health Levine Cancer is here for you. Our High-Risk Breast Cancer Program empowers you to take charge of your health, so you can have more peace of mind about your future.
Our experts can evaluate your personal breast cancer risk and guide you through a customized plan to reduce or manage it. From genetic testing and counseling to preventive treatment options, this specialized program connects you to services that could be lifesaving.
Contact us for more information about our high-risk breast program.
Why choose Levine Cancer?
- Unmatched expertise: Fueled by the leading-edge research and innovation of our NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, we connect you to expertise that no other cancer program in our area can match.
- Nationally recognized breast care: We've earned accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) for maintaining top-quality breast care services across several locations.
- Collaborative specialists: Our multidisciplinary team is made up of specialists in breast health and breast screening, including radiologists, genetic counselors, medical oncologists and surgical oncologists.
- Comprehensive approach: We offer a full range of services to help you understand and manage your risk for breast cancer. From screening and testing to education, treatment and support, it’s easy to get the complete care you need.
- Compassionate support: We know that navigating your cancer risk can be difficult, and we’re here to make sure you feel supported. If needed, we can connect you to our wide-ranging cancer support programs, including our Young Women’s Breast Cancer Program.
Risk factors for breast cancer
A risk factor is anything that increases your risk of developing breast cancer. Having a high risk for breast cancer may be related to one risk factor, or a combination of factors.
We recommend scheduling an appointment with our high-risk breast cancer team if you have one or more of the following risk factors:
- Personal history of breast cancer or other breast conditions: Some non-cancerous breast diseases can increase the chances of developing breast cancer, including atypical ductal hyperplasia, atypical lobular hyperplasia and lobular carcinoma in situ.
- Radiation therapy in the chest area: If you received chest radiation between the ages of 10 and 30 years as treatment for another cancer (typically lymphoma), you may be at higher risk for breast cancer.
- Genetic mutations: Inherited gene changes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 are known to increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Other genes connected to breast cancer include PALB2, CHEK2, CDH1, PTEN, ATM, TP53 and STK11.
To schedule an appointment, please call 980-442-2000.
For other risk factors, we recommend talking to your primary care provider. They can help you decide if a referral to our program is right for you. Other risk factors can include:
- Family history of breast or ovarian cancer: Having a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, child) who has been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer increases the risk of developing breast cancer. The risk is higher if a first-degree relative was diagnosed before age 50.
- High exposure to hormones: Long-term use of hormone replacement therapy for menopausal symptoms can increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Being overweight or obese after menopause: Having more fat tissue after menopause can raise estrogen levels and may increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding history: Having your first pregnancy after age 30, not breastfeeding, and never having a full-term pregnancy can raise breast cancer risk.
- Lifestyle factors: Not being physically active and drinking alcohol can increase the risk of breast cancer.
Need a primary care provider? Find one online.
High-risk breast cancer services
We’re here to help you take charge of your health. Our experts will assess your risk for breast cancer, listen to your concerns, answer your questions and work with you to create a personalized risk-reduction plan.
Our program includes:
- Genetic testing and counseling to check for gene mutations related to breast cancer
- Assessment of risk based on known breast cancer risk factors
- Chemoprevention, which uses certain medicines to stop cancer cells from forming
- Advanced breast imaging and testing, such as breast MRI and 3D mammograms
- Prophylactic (preventive) surgery, a surgery to remove one or both breasts to reduce breast cancer risk
- Help with lifestyle changes that can reduce cancer risk, like quitting smoking and eating a healthier diet
- Support for any emotional challenges related to your risk for breast cancer through our psychosocial and supportive oncology services
- Long-term surveillance so that if cancer develops, it’s found and treated as early as possible
- Coordination with your primary care provider to help care for your overall well-being, including treatment for acute and chronic illnesses
Get care
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Request an appointment at Levine Cancer
If you’re concerned about being at high risk for breast cancer, call us for help.
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Find a primary care provider
Use our search tool to find a doctor who can help you feel your healthiest.
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Schedule a mammogram
Schedule your breast cancer screening at one of our convenient locations.
Frequently asked questions
In most cases, the exact cause of breast cancer is not known. However, researchers have found things that increase the risk of breast cancer. These are called risk factors.
Some risk factors can be changed with lifestyle choices, like staying physically active, quitting tobacco products, and drinking less alcohol. Other risk factors, like your age or family history, are out of your control.
Having a risk factor – or several – does not mean you will get breast cancer. It’s important to talk to a health care provider about your risk and steps you can take to manage it.
Early breast cancer often does not cause symptoms. That’s why yearly clinical breast exams and screening mammograms (typically starting at age 40) are important. Screenings can find breast cancer early, before symptoms start.
As the cancer grows, symptoms may include:
- A lump in the breast or armpit, especially if it’s hard, painless and has irregular edges
- Any change in the size, shape, or feel of the breast or nipple, such as redness, flaking or skin puckering (similar to the texture of an orange peel)
- Fluid coming from the nipple, other than breast milk and including blood
Many of these symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous breast conditions. Still, it’s important to be aware of how your breasts normally look and feel and talk to a health care provider if you notice any changes.
It depends on your individual risk for breast cancer. In general, women at average risk for breast cancer should start yearly mammograms at age 40. But if you’re at higher risk for breast cancer, you may need to start earlier or be screened more often.
If you’re due for a mammogram, schedule one now . For personal guidance on breast cancer screening, talk to your primary care provider. If you believe you’re high-risk and want to learn more about our program, call 980-442-2000.
Everyone has a chance of developing breast cancer. The average risk of a woman developing breast cancer sometime in her life is about 13%.
For some people, the chance of developing breast cancer is higher because of certain risk factors, like a strong family history. Generally, a person is considered high risk for breast cancer if their lifetime risk is 20% or more.
Your health care provider can complete a breast cancer risk assessment to estimate your personal risk level.
The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are known to impact a person’s chance of developing breast cancer.
Everyone has both the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, and they typically help prevent breast cancer. But when there is a change (or mutation) in a BRCA gene, it has the opposite effect.
Women who have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation have a 40-80% chance of developing breast cancer. For comparison, the risk of developing breast cancer among the general population is around 13%.
If you have a BRCA gene mutation, or you’re concerned about your genetic risk for cancer, our team can help. To learn more about our High-Risk Breast Cancer Program, call 980-442-2000.
Genetic testing and counseling can help you find out if your genes might raise your risk of breast cancer. It may be recommended if you have certain risk factors, like a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
Even if it’s recommended, genetic testing is a personal decision. Our genetic counselors can help you weigh the pros and cons of genetic testing and decide if it’s right for you.
A health care provider may refer you to our program, but it’s not required. If you think you may be at risk for breast cancer based on family or personal history, please call 980-442-2000 for more information.