High Risk Breast Clinic
The High Risk Breast Clinic was developed in collaboration with Michigan Medicine and the comprehensive breast health team at MyMichigan Health. This team includes breast health nurses and specialists, diagnostic radiologists, breast cancer nurse navigators, breast surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists and plastic and reconstructive surgeons. The Clinic was specifically designed for individuals who are at heightened risk for breast cancer. The goal is to help identify women who are at an increased risk and reduce their risk for developing breast cancer, or diagnose it in its earliest stages, when it’s most treatable.
To help identify those at an elevated risk for breast cancer, MyMichigan offers a free breast cancer risk assessment to all women under the age of 80 during their annual mammogram. The assessment is a series of mostly yes and no questions that relate to personal and family history. The answers are then run through the most up-to-date software utilizing five different clinically recognized risk models. If the survey indicates a high lifetime risk or high genetic mutation result is received, you may be contacted to undergo an evaluation with our dedicated breast health specialist at the High Risk Breast Clinic.
The specialist will review the risk assessment, provide education on lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, perform a clinical breast exam, order additional screening tests and manage those results, develop personalized surveillance plans, discuss risk reduction strategies and make additional referrals as necessary.
How will I know if I should become a patient of the clinic?
Screening mammograms are recommended for all women beginning at the age of 40, or earlier if patients have certain risk factors, such as a family history of breast cancer. Getting a yearly screening mammogram helps determine if a referral to the High Risk Breast Clinic is needed and, more importantly, will detect breast cancer early, which is key to treatment. Seventy-five percent of breast cancer occurs in women who do not have a significant family history and who are not considered high risk.
What are some of the factors that might make me considered high risk?
Some breast cancer risk factors include age (most breast cancers are diagnosed after age 50), genetic mutations, reproductive history, having dense breasts, personal or family history of breast cancer or previous treatment using radiation therapy.
What kind of care will I receive at the clinic?
Patients will be cared for throughout their breast health journey, whether it’s through treatment and reconstruction or high risk prevention. Our specialist’s goal is to set women at ease by providing options and educating on the advancements in the field of breast health.
Services* offer at MyMichigan Health to Screen for Breast Cancer
*Services may vary by location
High Risk Specialist
Sarah Caszatt, A.G.P.C.N.P.- B.C., is dedicated to understanding her patients’ needs and working alongside them to build a personalized care plan. Her patients will be offered a higher level of expertise in breast health, including the options in advanced screenings and preventative measures. She works closely with patients who have an elevated lifetime risk for developing breast cancer. Sarah validates personal and family history, provides education on breast cancer risk reduction methods, and makes recommendations for breast cancer screenings. Sarah is in the Center for Women’s Health on the campus of MyMichigan Medical Center Midland.
Learn More About Sarah
