October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to talk about the importance of breast cancer prevention and detection. At Intermountain Health, we’re dedicated to helping you stay ahead of cancer with our High-Risk Cancer Prevention Clinic. Let’s dive into why early detection is crucial and how we can support you.

Why Prevention and Early Detection Matter

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women, but the good news is that early detection can significantly improve outcomes. Regular mammograms are a key part of breast cancer screening because they can detect cancer early when it’s most treatable. However, for those at high risk due to genetic factors, mammograms alone might not be enough.

Maricel Purcell, a Cancer Genetics Nurse Practitioner at our High-Risk Cancer Prevention Clinic, explains, “Regular mammograms are a crucial component of breast cancer screening and can detect cancer early when it’s treatable. However, for individuals at high risk due to genetic factors, mammograms alone may not be sufficient.”

Understanding Your Risk

Knowing your genetic risk can help you take proactive steps to protect your health.

“Understanding your genetic risk allows you to take proactive steps to protect your health. Having this information doesn’t mean you will definitely develop cancer. It means you have the opportunity to take preventive measures and make informed decisions about your health,” says Purcell.

If you have a family history of cancer, especially if cancers occurred at a young age or if multiple family members are affected, you should consider seeing a cancer genetics provider. Indicators also include having a known genetic mutation in the family, multiple types of cancer in a single individual, or belonging to certain groups with higher prevalence of specific mutations.

Personalized Care at Intermountain Health

At Intermountain Health, we offer a range of services to help manage and reduce your cancer risk. Our High-Risk Cancer Prevention Clinic provides:

• Genetic Testing: To identify specific gene mutations that increase cancer risk.
• Increased Screening and Surveillance: Including additional methods like breast MRI, which can detect cancers that mammograms might miss.
• Personalized Management Plans: Tailored to your specific risk profile to catch cancer early or reduce your risk.
• Lifestyle Recommendations: Tips on diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes to lower your cancer risk.
• Support Resources: Counseling and support groups to help you navigate your journey. 

Telehealth Options

One of the standout features of our High-Risk Cancer Prevention Clinic is the availability of telehealth options. You can have video visits with our specialists without having to leave your house. This makes it easier than ever to get the care you need without the hassle of travel. Whether it’s a genetic counseling session or a follow-up appointment, our telehealth services ensure you stay connected with your healthcare team.

“We’re shifting the focus from treatment to prevention as often as possible. And we do this all from the comfort of your own home,” says Purcell.

'Knowledge Is Power'

Finding out you may be at high risk for cancer can be overwhelming, but you’re not alone. “For those feeling overwhelmed, I offer resources such as counseling and support groups and I ensure they know they are not alone in this journey,” Purcell reassures.

Sabrina Feldman, a vibrant 39-year-old from Denver, Colorado, recently embarked on a life-changing journey at Intermountain Health’s high-risk cancer prevention clinic. With a family history of cancer, Sabrina always had a nagging feeling about her health. “On the back of my mind, I could have a high risk,” she shared. Her grandparents had died of ovarian cancer, but it wasn’t until her cousin tested positive for BRCA 2 about four years ago that Sabrina started to connect the dots.

Despite her sister testing negative for the gene, Sabrina decided to move forward with her own testing in September, assuming she wouldn’t have it. “Sure enough, I did have it,” she said. This revelation set her on a proactive path to ensure her health and safety. “I took all the proactive things. I figured any preventative things I can do to make sure I am healthy and safe and can live a long life without something being invasive.”

Her journey began with genetic counseling and imaging. “As soon as the genetic counselor sent my primary care provider the results, she immediately called for imaging,” Sabrina recalled. The day she went for her mammogram and sonogram was nerve-wracking. “If I thought I didn’t have BRCA 2 and I did, now every result would be the same. I panicked.” Fortunately, the results came back in just five hours, and everything was negative. “We have detected no abnormal cells,” she was told, which brought immense relief.

Sabrina then reached out to a medical oncologist for further options and opportunities. She met Lisa Ahrendt, MD, who was incredibly supportive. “She was very clear, you know you are supposed to get the surgeries right away and your ovaries removed. So I was nervous going into the appointment. She kept saying when or if you decided to move forward. She heard me, she saw me. Nothing was scary.”

Dr. Ahrendt spent an hour discussing the best course of action for Sabrina, making her feel comfortable and understood. “This is something you’ll have to deal with and monitor, it doesn’t mean you have to take action,” Dr. Ahrendt reassured her. Sabrina felt empowered by the knowledge and the support she received. “Knowledge is power. You can’t make any decisions until you have all the answers. Make sure you know that there are options.”

Sabrina’s journey isn’t over yet. She has a couple more screenings lined up and is considering her options carefully.

The clinic has created a supportive community for Sabrina. “This clinic created such a great community. Find a place that you feel comfortable and heard in is so important.” With the help of a social worker and a streamlined team of specialists, Sabrina feels at ease. “It’s now out of my mind. Is this going to be looming over me forever? I felt like everything was there. It makes it so easy and so approachable.”

Sabrina’s story is a testament to the power of knowledge and the importance of a supportive healthcare community. Her proactive approach and the care she received have empowered her to take control of her health and her future.

At Intermountain Health, we’re here to support you with personalized care and comprehensive services. If you think you might be at high risk, don’t hesitate to reach out and schedule an appointment.