Breast Cancer: Risk Assessment, Screening, and Primary Prevention

Elena Michaels; Rebeca Ortiz Worthington; Jennifer Rusiecki

doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2022.10.007

Breast Cancer: Risk Assessment, Screening, and Primary Prevention

Med Clin North Am. 2023 Mar;107(2):271-284. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2022.10.007.

Authors

Elena Michaels¹, Rebeca Ortiz Worthington¹, Jennifer Rusiecki²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 3051, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
² Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 3051, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].

PMID: 36759097
DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2022.10.007

Abstract

This review provides an outline of a risk-based approach to breast cancer screening and prevention. All women should be assessed for breast cancer risk starting at age 18 with identification of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Patients can then be stratified into average, moderate, and high-risk groups with personalized screening and prevention plans. Counseling on breast awareness and lifestyle changes is recommended for all women, regardless of risk category. High-risk individuals may benefit from additional screening modalities such as MRI and chemoprevention and should be managed closely by a multidisciplinary team.

Keywords: Aromatase inhibitors; Breast MRI; Breast cancer; Breast cancer risk; Chemoprophylaxis; Mammogram; Prophylactic surgery; SERM.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Breast Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
Breast Neoplasms* / prevention & control
Early Detection of Cancer
Female
Humans
Primary Prevention
Risk Assessment
Risk Factors