

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.
Hancock Health’s High-Risk Breast and Cancer Genetics Clinic
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, Jessica Harter, BSN, RN, provides clarity and education to all women in the High-Risk Breast and Cancer Genetics Clinic 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.
Who needs to be seen at the High-Risk Breast and Cancer Genetics Clinic?
“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 and Cancer Genetics 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 and Cancer Genetics Clinic is to listen, educate, and collaborate on a plan of care that meets your specific risk level, needs, and comfort level.”
What happens next?
Women who are deemed “high-risk” will be referred to the clinic, where they will meet with one of the nurse practitioners and breast surgeons, who collaborate to provide up-to-date information and work on an individualized plan. “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.”
Screenings are lifesavers!
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 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!”
The importance of a Breast Health Nurse Navigator
Harter is passionate about her job. “My role as a Breast Health Nurse Navigator is to guide women through any breast related needs. If a patient has an abnormal mammogram I will call them with these results and get them scheduled for follow up diagnostic imaging. If there are biopsy needs I will be with them during the procedure and relay results and next steps. My job is to support all women in their breast health journey!” Harter also stays by their side for difficult conversations, whether that involves cancer or not.
Combining state-of-the-art testing with caring, down-to-earth practitioners is a formula that has helped Hancock Health rise to the top when it comes to women’s care.
To get in touch with the High-Risk Breast and Cancer Genetics Clinic call 317-468-2668.