Wasserman Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Program
Every woman has some risk of developing breast cancer during her lifetime, but the magnitude of the risk will vary from one woman to the next. In other words, some women have a greater risk of developing breast cancer than other women do. An individual woman's level of risk for breast cancer will depend upon her own personal risk factors. The risk associated with these factors can be managed and, in many cases, reduced through a variety of interventions; but because risk levels vary from woman to woman, interventions appropriate for one woman to consider may not be appropriate for all.
The Wasserman Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Program is committed to reducing the incidence of breast cancer in our community by providing comprehensive risk assessment services, including medical management recommendations that are tailored to each individual patient's level of risk.
Personalized Risk Assessment
Patients interested in participating in the risk reduction program are asked to complete a screening questionnaire, which focuses on proven risk factors for breast cancer. The screening questionnaire is reviewed by a risk assessment expert, who estimates each individual's risk. Medical management recommendations are made based on the level of risk for each individual.
High Risk Management
Patients at higher risk for breast cancer are asked to complete a more detailed medical and family history questionnaire and to provide reports for any past breast imaging, breast biopsies and/or cancer diagnoses. These higher risk patients meet with a risk reduction counselor, who explains the factors contributing to their risk for breast cancer as well as any additional options available for clarifying their risk further (i.e. genetic testing). Genetic testing services (i.e. BRCA gene testing) are available on-site.
When appropriate, higher risk patients also have the opportunity to meet with a physician who specializes in breast cancer risk reduction for a more detailed discussion about potential risk-reducing interventions, including one or more of the following:
- Lifestyle changes (weight loss, exercise, smoking cessation)
- Chemoprevention (i.e. tamoxifen, Evista)
- Heightened surveillance (i.e. breast MRI)
- Preventive surgery and reconstruction
- Research study participation
Program participants have full access to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's state-of-the-art diagnostic, therapeutic and surgical services, both for breast cancer and for other conditions that may contribute to breast cancer risk. When appropriate, program participants are referred to other Cedars-Sinai specialty centers, including:
- Saul and Joyce Brandman Breast Center
- Gilda Radner Cancer Detection Program
- Marcia Israel Mammography Center
- S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center
- GenRISK Adult Genetics Program
- Nutrition Counseling Center
- Comprehensive Weight Loss Center
- Anna and Max Webb and Family Diabetes Outpatient Treatment and Education Center
- Smoking Cessation Program
- Psychology Services
- Center for Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Women's Cancer Research Institute
Education and Outreach
The Wasserman Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Program is committed to patient education and community outreach, sponsoring special lectures for the public on site at the medical center and at community venues.
For More Information
For more information about the Wasserman Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Program, please call (310) 423-9373.
