The new High-Risk Breast Clinic at Santa Barbara's Ridley-Tree Cancer Center is a dedicated early detection and prevention resource.
"That means coordinated care with recommendations for high-risk imaging and physical exams and risk reduction, lifestyle modifications, and even medication that could reduce their risk for future breast cancer," explained Dr. Rosa Choi, the clinic's director and one of the surgeons.
Choi said the clinic can support Santa Barbara County women facing increased risks.
"It can be overwhelming, but I think that we do a really good job making sure that women are supported through that journey," said Choi.
The clinic's team collaborates with breast surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, radiologists, OB/GYNs, primary care clinicians, genetic counselors, researchers, and patient navigators to offer patients coordinated care.
Anyone in the community who has a referral from their primary care clinician and meets the eligibility criteria may qualify for an appointment with the clinic.
That includes individuals who had a breast biopsy with pathology that shows atypical cells or lobular carcinoma in situ. It also includes patients who have a close relative (a mother, sister, or daughter) under the age of 50 with a breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer diagnosis, or have a known genetic mutation predisposing them to breast cancer development.
Eligible patients can schedule an appointment to learn more about their risk factors and explore strategies to reduce them.
