New service is expected to benefit approximately 6,000 patients across the region.
Munson Healthcare’s (MHC) High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic at the Cowell Family Cancer Center in Traverse City is bringing a new resource to Northern Michigan focused on earlier detection and intervention for those with an elevated risk for developing breast cancer.
As part of this initiative, MHC radiology reports now include a personalized lifetime breast cancer risk score - based on personal, medical, and family history factors - for every patient following a screening mammogram. Standing conditional orders have now been added to mammograms for any patient identified as high-risk – with calculated score that indicates a risk of 20% or higher - to simplify the referral process for advanced imaging or further testing, like MRIs.
"Historically, Northern Michigan has had a higher-than-average rate of breast cancer in some cases 20% higher than the national average,” said Kathy LaRaia, Munson Healthcare Vice President of Oncology and Professional Services. “We estimate that there are approximately 6,000 patients in our region who would be considered high-risk and could benefit from this program."
When a patient is identified as high-risk, the HRBCC will reach out to the patient directly to coordinate an appointment. For patients who self-refer for a mammogram, Munson’s team will share their risk score with them and help establish care with a primary care provider to initiate a referral to the clinic.
Munson’s High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic provides a number of specialized and tailored services including:
- Personalized Risk Assessment: Patients receive a detailed review of their risk score along with expert guidance on next steps.
- Ongoing Surveillance: Annual breast cancer screenings, which may include MRI, for continued monitoring.
- Risk Reduction Education: Information on lifestyle and medical strategies to lower risk, plus access to genetic counseling when appropriate.
- Surgical Consultation: Coordinated referrals for surgical evaluation if clinically indicated.
The clinic’s team will also obtain insurance authorization for any recommended imaging.
"Early detection and intervention are key to better outcomes,” added LaRaia. “Munson’s High Risk Breast Cancer Clinic is committed to helping our high-risk patients work through any barriers to ensure they receive enhanced and proactive care to reduce their risk.”
To learn more about Munson’s new High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic, visit munsonhealthcare.org/breastcancerclinic.