BILLINGS— Billings Clinic celebrated the opening of a new $200,000 breast screening clinic Wednesday morning.
The new Reger Family High-Risk Breast Clinic is located at the Billings Clinic Reger Family Center for Breast Health inside the Billings Clinic Cancer Center.
Watch the ceremony below:
Billings Clinic opens screening center for women at high risk to breast cancer
The new clinic will provide additional services to identify breast cancer in patients who are genetically prone to the disease.
It is the only high-risk, breast-screening clinic in Montana and Wyoming.
Vanessa Willardson
“We do have a queue of patients who qualify to be seen in this clinic and so knowing that we have the resources available now is just really heartwarming,” said Billings Clinic Foundation President Nichole Mehling.
Staff expect to undergo training for the clinic, which is scheduled to open to patients by the end of the month.
The clinic is also offering free mammograms and breast examswhich Mehling said the foundation provides through their Women’s Wellness Fund.
Vanessa Willardson
“We ask very little questions. We just really want to make sure that our the women in our community and beyond are taken care of,” said Mehling.
To contribute to the fund, Mehling said donors can call the foundation at 406-657-4670.
What genetic mutations, beyond BRCA1 and BRCA2, are considered when assessing eligibility for high-risk screening?
Table of Contents
- 1. What genetic mutations, beyond BRCA1 and BRCA2, are considered when assessing eligibility for high-risk screening?
- 2. Billings clinic Launches Targeted Breast Cancer Screening Center for High-Risk Women
- 3. Understanding the Need for Specialized Screening
- 4. Who qualifies for High-Risk Screening?
- 5. Screening Modalities Offered at the Center
- 6. The Importance of Personalized screening Plans
- 7. Benefits of Early Detection & Targeted Screening
- 8. Navigating Genetic Testing and Counseling
- 9. Accessing the Billings Clinic High-Risk Screening Center
Billings clinic Launches Targeted Breast Cancer Screening Center for High-Risk Women
Understanding the Need for Specialized Screening
Billings Clinic has announced the opening of a dedicated screening center focused on women at higher risk of developing breast cancer. This initiative addresses a critical gap in preventative care,recognizing that standard screening guidelines aren’t always sufficient for individuals with specific risk factors.High-risk factors include a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, known genetic mutations (like BRCA1 and BRCA2), prior chest radiation therapy, and certain atypical breast biopsies. Early detection remains the most powerful weapon against breast cancer, and tailored screening programs are vital for maximizing positive outcomes.
Who qualifies for High-Risk Screening?
Determining eligibility for the Billings Clinic’s specialized center involves a complete risk assessment. Factors considered include:
* Family History: A first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50, or multiple family members affected.
* Genetic Testing: Positive results for genes associated with increased breast cancer risk, such as BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, ATM, CHEK2, and TP53. Genetic counseling is often recommended before and after testing.
* Personal History: Previous atypical hyperplasia on a breast biopsy,or a history of radiation therapy to the chest before age 30.
* Lifetime Risk assessment: Utilizing models like the Gail Model or Claus Model to estimate an individual’s lifetime risk, often exceeding 20%.
* Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS): A non-invasive breast cancer that increases the risk of developing invasive cancer later.
Screening Modalities Offered at the Center
The new center offers a range of advanced screening tools beyond standard mammography, tailored to individual risk profiles. These include:
* 3D Mammography (Tomosynthesis): Provides a more detailed image of the breast tissue, reducing false positives and improving cancer detection rates.
* Breast MRI: Highly sensitive for detecting breast cancer, notably in women with dense breast tissue or genetic predispositions. Often used in conjunction with mammography.
* Automated Whole Breast Ultrasound (ABUS): An alternative or addition to mammography,especially useful for women with dense breasts where cancer can be obscured.
* Contrast-Enhanced Mammography: uses a contrast dye to highlight areas of abnormal blood flow, potentially indicating cancerous tissue.
* High-Resolution Imaging: Utilizing the latest technology for precise and detailed visualization of breast tissue.
The Importance of Personalized screening Plans
A “one-size-fits-all” approach to breast cancer screening is no longer considered optimal.The Billings Clinic’s center emphasizes personalized screening plans developed in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. This team typically includes:
- Radiologists: Specialists in interpreting medical images.
- Breast Surgeons: experts in surgical treatment of breast cancer.
- Medical Oncologists: Physicians specializing in cancer treatment with medication.
- Genetic Counselors: Professionals who provide guidance on genetic testing and risk assessment.
- Nurse Navigators: Provide support and coordination of care throughout the screening process.
These plans may involve a combination of imaging modalities, frequency of screenings (e.g., annual MRI and mammogram), and consideration of preventative strategies like chemoprevention (medication to reduce risk).
Benefits of Early Detection & Targeted Screening
Proactive, targeted screening offers notable advantages:
* Earlier Stage Diagnosis: Detecting cancer at an earlier stage dramatically improves treatment outcomes and survival rates.
* Less Aggressive Treatment: Early detection often allows for less invasive treatment options, preserving breast tissue and improving quality of life.
* Reduced Anxiety: Regular,personalized screening can provide peace of mind for high-risk women.
* Improved Survival Rates: Studies consistently demonstrate that early detection leads to higher survival rates for breast cancer patients.
* Potential for Preventative Measures: Identifying high-risk individuals allows for discussion of preventative strategies, such as risk-reducing surgery.
Genetic testing plays a crucial role in identifying women at increased risk. Though, it’s essential to approach testing with informed consent and genetic counseling.
* Pre-Test Counseling: Discussing the potential benefits, limitations, and implications of genetic testing with a genetic counselor.
* Understanding Results: Interpreting test results accurately and understanding their impact on screening recommendations.
* Emotional Support: Addressing the emotional challenges that may arise from learning about genetic predispositions.
* Family Implications: Considering the potential implications for other family members.
Accessing the Billings Clinic High-Risk Screening Center
Women interested in learning more about the center and determining their eligibility should discuss their risk factors with their primary care physician. referrals to the center can be made through a healthcare provider.The center is located at [Insert Address Here] and can be reached at [Insert Phone Number Here]. Information is also available on the Billings Clinic website: [Insert Website Link Here].
