Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Farmington: What You Need to Know
Assessing Women at High Risk of Breast Cancer. Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Farmington Understanding Your Potential Risk X-Ray Associates of New Mexico has added the Tyrer-Cuzick risk assessment tool as a complementary addition to our array of breast screening and diagnostic services. This test takes into account family history, age and other factors that determine your breast cancer risk, so you can understand your potential risk and learn how to address it effectively with appropriate screenings and support programs if necessary. Learn more about this revolutionary new breast cancer risk assessment tool by contacting our team today!
About the Author
Megan Conaty, MD is a breast cancer specialist at X-Ray Associates of New Mexico. She was recently certified by Dr. Bernard Tyrer from London, England to administer and interpret their new risk assessment tool for breast cancer screening. Dr. Conaty completed her undergraduate degree in molecular biology and earned her medical degree at Tulane University in New Orleans Louisiana where she also completed her residency in family medicine. She later went on to complete additional fellowships in medical oncology and obstetrics/gynecology before relocating to Farmington New Mexico where she now lives with her husband, who is a cardiologist at St Mary’s hospital. In addition to running a busy full time practice Dr.
How is my health history evaluated?
Before getting started, it’s important that you understand why breast cancer risk assessment is recommended in addition to your annual mammogram. A mammogram (also known as a breast X-ray) is an X-ray image of both breasts that helps detect breast abnormalities and early signs of cancer in women over 40. Mammograms are considered a screening tool because they cannot diagnose or rule out breast cancer; they can only indicate there may be an abnormality or pre-cancerous condition present. When deciding on what screenings are right for you, we will consider your family history and discuss any risk factors for breast cancer with you.
How is my family history assessed?
X-Ray Associates of New Mexico uses a computer-based assessment that considers family history, age, and breast density. The Tyrer–Cuzick risk assessment tool is based on information from 667 women with triple negative breast cancer and 1245 women without triple negative breast cancer. These groups were selected to reflect a range of family histories and ages at diagnosis. The risk score ranges from 0 (lowest) to 10 (highest). Women who scored 8 or higher were found more likely than not to have an increased risk for developing triple negative breast cancer in their lifetime. Women who scored 4 or lower are considered less likely than not to have an increased risk for developing triple negative breast cancer in their lifetime. Your score will be calculated based on information you provide at your screening visit.
How do other factors factor into this test?
How is your family history? How do other factors factor into your risk assessment of breast cancer? The truth is, not everyone who has a family history of breast cancer will develop it themselves. Experts explain that many different factors contribute to one’s overall risk, and that genetic factors account for only 5-10% of all cases. Of course, if you have a first-degree relative with breast cancer and are at least 35 years old (the median age of diagnosis), then you should consider seeing your primary care physician or specialist. They can assess your specific risk and suggest appropriate interventions based on individual circumstances. If you live in Farmington, Albuquerque or anywhere in New Mexico, we are here to help!
Contact Information
Please call for more information about breast cancer risk assessment in Farmington, New Mexico. As a convenience, you may also contact us online by filling out our contact form and clicking submit. Our staff will get back to you within one business day with a prompt reply. Please note that while we will make every effort to respond as quickly as possible, it may take up to 2 days depending on client volume and requested information or service complexity.
Cancer Prevention and Screening for Older Adults
It’s Not Just for Young Women Anymore.X-Ray Associates of New Mexico is proud to offer a range of breast cancer screenings and other diagnostic services for older adults. So why, you might ask, would a growing number of women—women from 40 to 65 years old—have breast cancer? The answer lies in a combination of factors that are at play in today’s society. Here’s what you need to know about cancer prevention and screening for older adults.
Assessing Women at High Risk of Breast Cancer: A Review of Risk Assessment Models
Breast cancer risk assessment models are designed to identify women who are at high risk of developing breast cancer. Current models, such as Gail and Tyrer-Cuzick, have different scoring systems, but all consider age, family history of breast cancer and race/ethnicity. The greatest challenge in assessing women for high risk of breast cancer is predicting long-term benefits from screening and diagnostic tests. For example, if a woman’s predicted risk is 10 percent or greater but she receives a negative result from screening or diagnostic testing – meaning she did not have breast cancer – it’s impossible to predict with any certainty whether she would have developed breast cancer in her lifetime without being screened or tested.
DOCUMENTED RISK FACTORS FOR BREAST CANCER
The following factors have been identified as having a significant effect on a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. Though many of these factors can be easily changed, it is important to understand that other contributing factors may exist, or you may have a genetic predisposition for breast cancer. Risk factor analysis should never be used as a substitute for proper medical care and advice from your healthcare provider. Some risk factors are unavoidable; however, maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle will greatly reduce your chances of developing breast cancer in later life. Every patient is different; X-Ray Associates doctors will assess your situation and help determine if you are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Women with multiple risk factors should receive more frequent screenings than women with few or no risks.
MODELS FOR ASSESSING BREAST CANCER RISK FROM MULTIPLE FACTORS
The Tyrer-Cuzick risk assessment tool takes into account a woman’s potential risk of breast cancer based on several factors, including family history, age and a mutation in either BRCA1 or BRCA2. Because it considers several factors at once, it can be more accurate than traditional risk assessment models that focus only on family history. The tool is intended for use by health care providers only and is not designed for self-use by women at risk of breast cancer. This tool does not take into account other factors that might affect risk such as weight, height, race/ethnicity or lifestyle habits (such as smoking). Nor does it assess other cancers besides breast cancer.
