Breast Cancer is a scary diagnosis that all women wish to avoid. While prevention and screenings are key players in this cause, some women who are deemed “high-risk” may need advanced options. At Hancock Health, breast health is taken seriously and, by giving women information, choices and guiding them when they need it, we are changing the battle against breast cancer.  

State-of-the-art testing combined with down-to-earth practitioners are a winning combo in the fight against cancer. Breast cancer can be complex and many women want to reduce their chances of it well before they are in need of treatments. Breast Nurse Navigator (or Hancock Health’s “Breast Friend”), Jessican Harter, BSN, RN, provides clarity and education to all women while they are navigating the murky waters of breast health and testing. She also helps women overcome barriers that prevent or delay breast care.  

Harter is a friendly face and a helpful hand and, it just so happens, has been on a journey of high-risk genetics herself. We spoke to her about what women can expect and what they should know about all things breast cancer prevention.  

“Prior to a screening mammogram appointment, women are sent a text or email requesting that they fill out a risk assessment. Women are screened for risk factors that contribute to an increased risk for breast cancer such as family history, personal medical history, heritage, childbirth history, and history or current use of hormone replacement therapy.”  

Harter goes on to say that, “The risk assessment is performed through our partner Ambry and uses the Tyrer-Cuzick (TC) Risk Model to give women a lifetime percentage chance of developing breast cancer. We are also given information about women who qualify for cancer genetic testing based on their responses. Women with a TC score greater than 20% and/or those that qualify for cancer genetic testing might consider a consultation with the High-Risk Breast Clinic.” 

Harter also wants to point out, “Any woman at any time can schedule a consultation with the High-Risk Breast Clinic. They do not have to be a current patient of Hancock Health. The goal of our High-Risk Breast Clinic is to listen, educate, and collaborate on a plan of care that meets your specific risk level, needs, and comfort level.” 

For those in financial need who want to access preventative screenings, Hancock’s Women’s Clinic is a wonderful organization that works to make women’s health and breast care affordable for the uninsured. More information about that can be found on our website.  

Women who are deemed “high-risk” will be referred to the clinic where they will meet with our breast health expert providers. Our breast surgeons and nurse practitioners provide up-to-date information while collaborating with you on an individualized plan of care. “A woman’s risk is multifactorial,” says Harter, “so our providers’ main role is to put all of the pieces together to educate on the big picture of lifetime risk. Once we know a woman’s lifetime risk the providers will collaborate on an individualized care plan to combat that risk level. Every woman is different which means recommendations may differ from person to person.” 

Harter wants to make sure all women know, “Breast cancer is curable if found early enough which makes screenings and breast imaging lifesaving! Annual screenings for high risk women may include imaging like breast MRI in addition to yearly mammograms. Also, each imaging modality shows us different aspects of breast tissue! What appears on an MRI may not appear on a mammogram. These additional imaging suggestions come from the most up to date research in breast health!” 

Most of Harter’s time is spent with women who receive abnormal mammogram results or who are experiencing breast problems. She stays by their side for difficult conversations and biopsies and follows up to help them decide on the next steps on their breast health journey. If you have a high risk of breast cancer or would like more information about Hancock’s High-Risk Breast Clinic, check out our website’s Breast Health page.