High-Risk Breast Program

How the Program Works

Mammogram patients at Arizona Diagnostic Radiology’s Breastlink centers can complete a voluntary high-risk assessment questionnaire before their appointment prior to their appointment via text or email . This questionnaire uses a scientifically validated calculator to estimate your lifetime risk of breast cancer.

If your lifetime risk score is 20% or higher, you will be invited to meet with our dedicated Breast Coordinator, Julie Shriver, who helps answer questions, coordinate follow-up care, and guide patients through screening, testing, and treatment options.

Patients who meet guidelines from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) may also be offered genetic testing. The 36-gene panel screens for eight major cancers and syndromes, many of which have NCCN-recommended medical management plans.

What Qualifies You as High Risk for Breast Cancer?

You may benefit from the program if you answer yes to any of the following:

• You or a family member was diagnosed with cancer before age 50
• Three or more relatives on the same side of your family had cancer
• You or a family member was diagnosed with more than one type of cancer
• A family member has a known cancer gene mutation
• You or a family member had rare cancers, like ovarian or male breast cancer
• You are of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry

While many people have a family history of cancer, only 5–10% of cancers are hereditary. Early knowledge and personalized guidance can help you make informed choices about your health.