What is high risk breast cancer? Dr. Mindy Bowie reveals how you can lower your risk

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer in the United States. On average, one in eight women are diagnosed with it during their lifetime: for some, however, the risk is even higher.

Dr. Mindy Bowie is a fellowship-trained, board-certified breast surgical oncologist with extensive experience in the breast cancer field. At Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, Dr. Bowie provides expert treatment for people who are at heightened risk of developing breast cancer.

“While breast cancer is the most common cancer in women (after skin cancer), certain population groups are more at risk than others,” Dr. Bowie said. “Women with a more than 20% chance of developing breast cancer are termed ‘high risk’.”

Dr. Bowie is a Mary Bird Perkins surgeon who makes evaluations through her Breast Surgical Oncology Clinic located at the ReCenter. These individual evaluations help patients understand their personal risk for developing breast cancer, based on their personal and family history.

To make the determination, patients’ details are entered into a risk calculator known as IBIS, or the Tyrer-Cuzick model, which calculates the likelihood of developing breast cancer over the following decade. Based on national guidelines, patients with a 20% or greater risk of developing breast cancer should consider increased imaging surveillance.

Personal factors that can lead to an increased risk include a family history of breast cancer, a personal history of abnormal cells in the breast, genetic carriers, and a personal history of mantle radiation. Those deemed ‘high risk’ often undergo a screening mammogram, alternating with a high-tech breast MRI.

“Women who are identified as being high risk are offered more surveillance, more often,” Dr. Bowie said. “However, the most important thing they can do is take steps to help reduce risk. You can’t change your family history, for example, but there are things you can do.”

Dr. Bowie points to four key areas that can help reduce breast cancer risk: good nutrition, exercise, minimalizing alcohol, and not smoking.

Early detection saves lives with most cancers, and this is especially true with breast cancer: when detected in its earliest stages, the survival rate is as high as 98%. 

Women concerned about their risk should speak to their provider or OB-GYN and ask to be referred to Dr. Bowie. She also takes self-referrals, and those interested in scheduling a high-risk evaluation can call (225) 215-1390.

For more information about breast cancer, including screening guidelines and details about Mary Bird Perkins’ treatment options, please visit marybird.org/breast.