High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic in Central New York
If you have a family history of breast cancer or other factors that may increase your risk, understanding your personal risk can help you make informed decisions about your health. At Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY (HOA), you have access to cancer genetics counseling, breast cancer risk assessment, and personalized recommendations to help you understand your risk and determine what steps, such as additional screening or preventive care, may be right for you.
Our goal is to help you feel confident in your personal plan for reducing risk factors for breast cancer, where possible, and monitoring your health.
For women in the Syracuse area, HOA provides access to specialized cancer genetics and breast cancer expertise close to home, with convenient locations in East Syracuse, Camillus, and Auburn.
Meet Our Breast Cancer High-Risk Specialists
What Does the High Risk Breast Cancer Clinic Offer?
The High-Risk Breast Clinic at HOA provides specialized care for women who may have a higher-than-average risk of developing breast cancer because of their personal or family history. Although most breast cancers result from genetic mutations that are acquired over a person’s lifetime, about 5% to 10% are linked to inherited mutations that can increase breast cancer risk.
At HOA, our team provides personalized breast cancer risk assessments and develops individualized breast cancer screening and surveillance plans based on your family history, personal medical history, genetic risk, and other factors. Our goal is to help identify increased risk early and provide a proactive approach to breast health and cancer prevention.
Genetic Counseling for Hereditary Breast Cancer in Central New York
Genetic testing can provide important information about whether you have an inherited genetic change that may increase your risk of breast or other cancers. These tests are only necessary if you meet specific criteria.
Take this quiz to find out if genetic counseling is right for you for breast cancer or other types of cancer.
Our Cancer Genetics Specialists are oncology-certified nurse practitioners with specialized training in hereditary cancer genetics. We will provide counseling before and after testing so you can understand the results and risk-reduction strategies. We understand that your results can affect your family as well. We can discuss strategies for sharing your results, if you wish, with your loved ones.
Testing typically involves a blood sample that is sent to a genetics laboratory. Results are generally available within two to three weeks. Genetic counseling and testing are available at HOA’s Camillus and East Syracuse locations, and no doctor referral is necessary to begin the process.
About Our Genetic Testing Program
What is Included in a Breast Cancer Risk Management Plan?
If you are found to have an increased risk of breast cancer, HOA can help you develop a personalized risk management plan, which may include:
- A comprehensive breast cancer risk assessment
- High-risk breast monitoring through a personalized monitoring plan
- Genetic counseling and genetic testing
- Risk-reduction strategies, ranging from lifestyle changes to preventive mastectomy
- Consultations for preventive surgery, if appropriate
The breast cancer specialists at HOA are committed to empowering patients with increased awareness regarding risk and prevention, as well as monitoring strategies that can lead to early detection.
Who Should Be Seen at the High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic?
While regular cancer screenings are important for everyone, individuals with an above-average or high risk of developing breast cancer are more vulnerable. You may benefit from a risk assessment if you have:
- Multiple family members who have had breast cancer
- A family history of ovarian cancer or male breast cancer
- A known inherited genetic mutation associated with an increased cancer risk
- A relative who developed breast cancer at a younger age, such as before menopause
- A personal history of lobular carcinoma in situ
- A personal history of certain abnormal breast biopsy results, including atypical cells
If you are unsure whether you are at increased risk, start by taking this short assessment.
If the results show that you would benefit from a genetic counseling appointment, please call to schedule an appointment at (315) 472-7504, then press #2.
Personalized High-Risk Breast Cancer Monitoring Plans
Breast cancer surveillance is tailored to your individual risk factors, medical history, and family history. Depending on your individual risk, your personal high-risk surveillance plan may include:
- Clinical breast exams twice a year
- Monthly breast self-exams to help you recognize changes between clinical exams
- Annual mammograms, with 3D mammography recommended when appropriate
- Annual breast MRI, often scheduled about 6 months after a mammogram
Risk management plans are customized for each individual patient. The goal is to identify breast cancer as early as possible, when treatment is likely to be more effective.
Breast Cancer Risk-Reduction Options
In some cases, screening is only one part of managing an increased risk of breast cancer. Depending on your individual circumstances, HOA may recommend strategies that can help reduce your risk, which may include:
- Healthy lifestyle changes
- Risk-reducing medications such as hormone therapy
- Genetic counseling
- Additional or more frequent breast cancer screening
- Consultation with a breast surgeon when preventative surgery, such as prophylactic mastectomy, is appropriate
The oncologists at HOA work closely with breast surgeons who use the latest technologies and surgical approaches, including oncoplastic techniques that help reshape the chest to ensure the best possible outcome.
Why Choose HOA for High-Risk Breast Cancer Care?
When you choose HOA for breast cancer risk assessment and care, you have access to a team focused on helping you understand your risk and make informed decisions about your health.
From cancer genetics counseling and personalized risk assessment to advanced screening recommendations, medical oncology, clinical trials, and in-house infusion services, HOA offers comprehensive cancer expertise throughout the Central New York region.
Most importantly, you don’t have to navigate your breast cancer risk alone. HOA’s specialists are here to help you understand your individual risk, answer your questions, develop personalized plans, and provide ongoing support.
To schedule an appointment, please call (315) 472-7504, then press #2.
