​Patients at High Risk for Breast Cancer

There are a number of factors that can increase your risk for breast cancer.

At Lincoln Surgical, we can discuss your risk factors with you to give you a better understanding of how they affect your risk. Below is a list of factors that can increase your risk of breast cancer.

  • Age (older)
  • Age your first child was born (older)
  • Age of first period (younger)
  • Age at menopause (older)
  • Alcohol
  • Ashkenazi Jewish heritage
  • Sex (female)
  • Current or recent use of birth control pills
  • High blood androgen levels
  • High blood estrogen levels after menopause
  • Heavier body weight after menopause
  • High bone density
  • BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation
  • High breast density
  • Family history
  • Atypical ductal hyperplasia in previous biopsy
  • High IGF-1 hormone levels before menopause
  • Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
  • Menopausal hormone therapy
  • Personal history of cancer
  • Race and ethnicity
  • Radiation treatment as a youth
  • Weight gain

​Screenings for Higher-Risk Patients

If you are at a higher risk of breast cancer, depending on your risk factors, you may benefit from more intense breast screening with an annual MRI scan in addition to your usual yearly mammogram and clinical breast exam by your doctor. Women with the risk factors listed below should strongly consider undergoing annual screening breast MRI:

  • 20-25% greater lifetime risk of breast cancer (based on risk assessment tools using family history for the most part)
  • BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation
  • First-degree relative with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation (if you haven't had gene testing)
  • Radiation therapy (chest) between 10 and 30 years of age
  • Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome (or first-degree relatives with one of these)
I believe Lincoln Surgical offers the same surgical knowledge and expertise that patients would receive in St. Louis—right here in our own community. —Dr. Clanahan

Lincoln Surgical will evaluate your personal risk to see if you are a candidate for more intense screening.

Learn More

You can learn more about breast cancer risk and prevention online or by calling Lincoln Surgical at 618.277.7400.