The high risk cancer program at Spectrum Health Lakeland is taking some of the uncertainty out of the breast cancer journey. The program provides monitoring for those at high risk for breast cancer with the goal of discovering and diagnosing it early. If cancer is found, expedited services will get patients through treatment as soon as possible.
Patients in the program have access to several screenings to help reduce the risk of breast cancer and find it quickly if it does occur These include breast exams and imaging, genetic counseling, and guidance on nutrition and lifestyle choices.
Are you eligible for the high risk cancer program?
Most of us know that family history is one factor that may put you at risk for breast cancer, but any of the following can also make you a candidate for our high risk cancer program:
- You are over 20 years old with a family history of breast cancer diagnosed at or before 50 years of age.
- You have multiple close relatives with a history of breast cancer.
- There is a known gene mutation in your family with associated increased breast cancer risk.
- You have a history of breast biopsy proven atypical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS).
- You have had chest wall radiation.
- You have a family history of male breast cancer.
- You are of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry.
We encourage you to connect with our high risk cancer program team if any of these breast cancer risk factors apply to you. Your doctor can make a referral, or you can call us directly at 269.932.9337