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Northwestern Medicine physician and woman discussing breast cancer risk and prevention.

Breast Cancer Risk Assessment and Prevention

Breast cancer cannot always be prevented, but you should understand your risk and strategies to reduce your risk. Your primary care physician can begin by determining your personal breast cancer risk based on your risk factors.

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Breast health experts at Northwestern Medicine can help you better understand your risk of developing breast cancer and share information about how to reduce your risk. If you are at high risk, your expert care team will work with you to help lower your risk through a variety of medical and lifestyle methods.

Northwestern Medicine offers individual breast cancer risk assessments and risk-reduction counseling through the Northwestern Medicine Breast Risk Assessment and Prevention Program.


Major Breast Cancer Risk Factors

  • Female sex
  • Age
  • Family history of breast cancer
  • Personal history of breast cancer
  • Genetic mutations that increase risk of breast cancer
  • Dense breast tissue
  • Prior breast biopsy with diagnosis of atypia

Risk Assessment and Prevention Resources

What Is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer begins when normal cells in the breast begin to change and grow uncontrollably, forming a mass called a tumor.

what is breast cancer

Who is Most at Risk for Breast Cancer?

Learn who is most at risk for breast cancer and risk factors.

who is at risk for breast cancer

Breast Risk Assessment and Prevention Program

Northwestern Medicine offers breast cancer risk assessment, genetic counseling, early detection and risk-reduction strategies for people at high risk of developing breast cancer.

breast risk assessment and prevention program

Genetic Counseling

The Cancer Genetics Program provides risk assessment, surveillance and management recommendations.

genetic counseling

Research

Northwestern Medicine and Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center conduct leading-edge clinical trials that may give you access to new treatments and medications.

research

Northwestern Medicine Cancer Care Network

Our multidisciplinary team works in collaboration together across the entire Chicagoland area.

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Breast Cancer Second Opinions

If you’ve just been diagnosed with breast cancer at another institution and are uncertain about your treatment options, Northwestern Medicine offers a second opinion with a qualified specialist.

breast cancer second opinions