St. Clair Health Using New Breast Cancer Risk Detection Method

UPPER ST. CLAIR, PA — St. Clair Health has begun using a new tool that can help gauge a woman's risk of developing breast cancer.

The Tyrer-Cuzick Risk Assessment Calculator gathers personal and obstetric history from the patient’s intake form at their screening mammogram appointment. It then adds breast density to the equation to calculate a score that estimates the patient’s breast cancer chances.

The imaging data will identify more patients that may be at a higher future risk than is possible by evaluating their history alone. Women who may be at high risk usually are identified through their family history alone with their primary care physician or annual gynecologist visit.

“We are always looking for new ways to deliver care to our patients," Dr. Raye J. Budway, Director of St. Clair’s Breast Care Center. “We balance being on the cutting edge technologically with providing proven, safe methods for treating breast cancer.”

By capturing cases before they exist, Budway said that doctors can take proactive steps to develop strategies and care plans that can provide patients some much-needed peace of mind. The new risk calculator tool, which will be used with every patient who comes to St. Clair for a screening mammogram, will be based on a questionnaire that includes family history and other risk factors.

The new program will become operational in two phases.

The first is focused on adding the risk assessment tool to the patient screening protocol. Patients identified as high-risk will be guided through more concentrated screenings. The second phase revolves around the patient, including a team of breast care specialists to assist in preventative exams and tests.

Dr. Bibianna A. Klepchick, Director of Breast Imaging at St. Clair, is teaming with Dr. Budway on the launch of the new program to oversee its maintenance and quality assurance.

“The goal is to give women who are at an increased risk of developing breast cancer clinical support, along with tools to keep a closer eye on their breast health,” Klepchick said. “By identifying these patients, we hope to catch their cancers earlier, giving them a much better chance of survival."

The screening tool already is available. The clinical component should be in place by year's end.

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