High Risk for Breast Cancer

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Learning that you may be at higher risk for breast cancer can feel overwhelming — even frightening. At Norton Healthcare, we understand the uncertainty that comes with this knowledge. That’s why we’re here to support you with expertise, guidance, advanced screening options and compassionate care every step of the way. Whether you have a family history of breast cancer, a known genetic mutation or other risk factors, our team is committed to helping you understand your risk and take proactive steps with confidence and clarity.

You May Be Considered at Higher Risk if You Have:

  • A close relative, such as a parent, sibling or child who has had breast cancer
  • Multiple family members with breast or ovarian cancer on either side of your family
  • A personal or family history of genetic mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2*
  • Have had radiation therapy to the chest prior to age 30
  • Have been diagnosed with ADH (Atypical ductal hyperplasia) or ALH (atypical lobular hyperplasia)
  • Are of Ashkenazi Jewish decent

Routine screenings can reveal tumors before they are large enough to be felt.

Are you age 40 or older? It may be time to begin receiving annual breast cancer screenings. Guidelines depend on your age and other risk factors.

What Does It Mean to Have Dense Breasts?

All breasts are unique — made of fat, fibrous tissue (strands of collagen protein that hold fat, connective tissue and blood vessels in place) and glandular tissue (the part of the breast that makes milk). Women with high breast density have a higher risk of developing breast cancer than women with low-density breasts. Yearly mammograms are especially important for women with dense breast tissue.

Norton Cancer Institute

Regional Leader in Cancer Care

  • First in the world to treat a patient with a novel combination therapy for newly diagnosed acute leukemia
  • First in the world to treat a solid tumor patient with ONC-841, a novel immunotherapy drug targeting the SIGLEC-10 immune checkpoint molecule
  • Access to over 170 clinical trials, offering local patients the same leading-edge options available at top national centers
  • Nationally recognized center for early-phase research, with 23 active Phase 1 clinical trials underway
  • Patients from 20-plus U.S. states and two foreign countries have chosen Norton Cancer Institute for innovative cancer care
  • Only in Kentucky: Home to a state-of-the-art Norton Cancer Institute Genomics Lab, with support from the Norton Healthcare Foundation and Steven Vanover Foundation, enabling highly precise, genetically targeted cancer therapies
  • Gamma Tile Center of Excellence, as well as a two-time Novalis certification for setting the standard for stereotactic radiation
  • Subspecialized, board-certified oncologists leading cancer research and treatment advancements
  • Same-day or next-day appointments for newly diagnosed patients, plus multiple locations and valet parking to facilitate access to care
  • Multidisciplinary clinics to provide same-day, same-location access to multiple specialists for more convenient, coordinated care
  • Fully accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers and the American College of Radiology

Care Designed With You in Mind

  • Comprehensive patient support, with five Norton Cancer Institute Resource Centers throughout Louisville and Southern Indiana, a patient navigator program, Norton Cancer Institute Behavioral Oncology Program, Norton Palliative Care Program, classes and events, art and music therapy, genetic counseling, nutrition services, financial counseling, pastoral care, and more
  • Medicare, Medicaid and most major insurances accepted, ensuring broad access to care
  • Specialty pharmacy services offer timely, accurate prescriptions with direct pharmacist-provider collaboration
  • 24/7 access to care tools via Norton MyChart — message providers, manage appointments, refill prescriptions and more
  • The Norton Healthcare Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Norton Healthcare’s not-for-profit adult-care services, continuously supporting the purchase of new equipment, programs, education and funding of research to ensure our patients stay up to date with medical advances and technology

Awards and Accreditations

Making Taking Care of Yourself Easier

Billing

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Cost Estimates

Find out what you can expect to pay before the bill comes. If you need help with the cost of your health care, assistance is available, even for many with middle class incomes.

Insurance

Medicare, Medicaid, worker’s compensation and most commercial insurance plans are accepted. You can get your Medicaid-covered annual wellness visit (AWV) with us. See the companies, insurance carriers and government organizations that we partner with.

Norton Healthcare Breast Health Centers

Our breast health centers offer a full range of diagnostic and treatment programs designed to promote breast health. The centers are staffed by skilled breast specialists offering support services and educational resources related to prevention, detection and treatment of breast issues.

*These inherited gene mutations significantly increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. However, not everyone who carries these mutations will develop cancer, and some hereditary cancers can occur without BRCA1 or BRCA2 involvement.

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