Hereditary Breast Cancer Risk Assessment and High-Risk Services

Hereditary breast cancer risk assessments from Virginia Mason Franciscan Health provide vital information about your breast cancer risk. The results help us determine how to protect your breast health now and in the future. Our trusted breast health experts deliver all the services you need.

Take our breast cancer health risk assessment and learn whether you’re at higher risk for breast cancer and what what you can do to reduce your risk.

Some Virginia Mason Franciscan Health locations maintain National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) designation. Select locations have also earned accreditation from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. These distinctions recognize our commitment to delivering high-quality breast health services, including risk assessments.

Following the assessment, we develop a personalized screening and follow-up plan to help manage breast cancer risk. Care may involve annual breast cancer screening and clinical exams to check for physical changes in breast appearance. These efforts detect cancer in earlier stages so you can start treatment promptly if needed.

Hereditary breast cancer stems from gene mutations passed down in families. But a family history of breast cancer or having a mutation doesn’t always mean you’ll get it. An inherited breast cancer risk assessment helps determine your chances. It may be appropriate if you have: 

• Benign breast diseases that can be high risk, such as lobular carcinoma in situ, atypical ductal hyperplasia or atypical lobular hyperplasia
• Family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer, especially in a first-degree relative, like a mother or sister with a diagnosis before age 50
• Familial cancer syndromes, such as hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes), Lynch syndrome and others

The assessment may consist of: 

• Breast cancer risk scoring: We use an evidence-based questionnaire to identify factors that increase the likelihood of a breast cancer diagnosis. 
• Genetic testing for breast cancer: We check for gene mutations linked to cancer by using a sample of blood, saliva or cells from inside your cheek.

You’ll need a referral from your primary care provider or gynecologist to access our breast cancer risk assessment services. After discussing your personal and family health history, we perform a clinical breast exam. Then, our specialists use an evidence-based model to determine your breast cancer risk score. 

Depending on the results, we may also recommend:

Our specialists care for patients across the Puget Sound area and beyond. Find a women's health provider near you.