Breast Cancer Screening in the High-risk Population

The risk for developing breast cancer can be influenced by a number of critical factors. An individual's age, gender, personal and family health history, nutritional status, level of physical activity, environmental exposures, and substance use can significantly shift the recommended screening guidelines format from the general risk population to a high-risk population. It is essential for health-care providers to become proficient in obtaining a complete cancer genetic risk assessment to accurately identify those who may be at high risk. There are a number of evidence-based risk models that can be utilized by providers to determine if an individual is indeed at a higher risk to develop breast cancer. In addition, there are evidence-based guidelines for breast cancer screening and possible recommendations for medical management/risk reduction that are appropriate to discuss for those high-risk individuals.