Breast cancer risk factors
Factors that impact your breast cancer risk include:
Being female
Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
Advancing age
Dense breast tissue (your mammogram will determine if you have dense breast tissue)
Being overweight or obese
Drinking alcohol regularly
Smoking
Hormone replacement therapy
Personal or family history of a genetic mutation that puts you at risk for breast cancer
History of an abnormal breast biopsy
Need to see a cancer specialist?
Our multi-disciplinary cancer specialists are ready to provide you the most comprehensive cancer care possible.
Understanding breast health: screening & prevention
For average risk women
- Screening mammogram annually, starting at age 40.
- Possible screening breast ultrasound in women with dense breasts.
- All women should be familiar with the look and feel of their breasts and report any changes to their health care provider.
For higher risk women
- In addition to regular screening, at risk women over 30 should discuss detection and prevention with their health care provider
- Screening imaging may begin at a younger age with possible addition of MRI imaging. Atlantic Health System offers an abbreviated MRI for your convenience and comfort.
- Evaluation by a breast health specialist
What can I do if I'm high risk?
Atlantic Health System offers a comprehensive, long-term surveillance program for women who have been identified as having a higher risk for developing breast cancer.
Eligibility
Women eligible for our Breast Cancer Screening and Prevention Program should meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Be a confirmed carrier of a genetic mutation that increases your risk for breast cancer
- Have a family member who is a carrier of a mutation that puts them at risk for breast cancer
- Have a male relative with breast cancer
- Have a personal lifetime risk of 20 percent or more – calculated by a Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool (Tyrer-Cusik Model)
- Have one or more close relatives with a historyof breast cancer
- Be of Ashkenazi Jewish background
- Have a history of an abnormal breast biopsy
- Have a history of radiation therapy to the chest between ages 10 and 30
Those enrolled may receive:
- Evaluation by a breast specialist with a clinical breast examination every 6 to 12 months
- Discussion of possible genetic testing or referral to a genetic counselor
- State-of-the-art imaging including:
- 3D mammography and tomosynthesis
- Possible whole breast ultrasound
- Possible breast MRI
- Education on risk reduction
- Instruction on breast self-exam
- Opportunities for referral to dietitian and psychosocial services
How to enroll
If you believe you are at high risk for developing breast cancer, Atlantic Health System has a team of health care providers who specialize in breast health throughout New Jersey. We will work with you to develop an individualized breast cancer screening plan. If you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our breast specialists, please call 1-855-363-5465 to make an appointment.