High-Risk screening refers to the screening of individuals who are determined to have a higher level of risk of getting breast cancer. If you are at high risk, additional screening may help detect breast cancer earlier.
How is "High-Risk" determined?
You may be considered high risk if you fall into one or more of the following categories:
(Click on each section below to learn more)
| 🧬 | 👨👩👧 | ☢️ | 📊 |
|---|---|---|---|
Known Genetic mutation
You have a genetic mutation associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, such as:
| 1st degree relative of a known mutation carrier
| Previous chest radiation before age 30
|
📌 Note: A self-assessment or assessment completed by your healthcare provider may support a referral, but final eligibility is determined by the Nova Scotia Breast Screening Program using the most appropriate tool based on personal and family history.
A confirmed risk greater than 25% is required for acceptance to the program.
Am I Eligible for high-risk screening?
To be eligible you must:
- Be asymptomatic
- Be between 30-69 years of age (MRI and mammography); ages 70+, mammography only.
- Have not undergone prophylactic bilateral mastectomy
- Fall into one or more of the high-risk categories above
Screening Schedule
Individuals who are considered to be at high risk of breast cancer will be screened as follows:
| Age | Screening |
|---|---|
| 📅30-69 | Annual Mammogram + Annual MRI |
| 📅70-74 | Annual Mammogram |
| 📅75+ | Mammogram may continue if you are in good health (will not be automatically reminded by the NSBSP) |
📌Note: The screening event begins with a mammogram. MRI will not be performed without the mammogram first. MRI is ideally performed within one month of mammogram.
How do I get Referred?
Referral Required
- You cannot book high-risk screening referral by yourself.
- A referral must be submitted by your healthcare provider.
Can everyone have an MRI?
Some individuals may not be able to have an MRI due to:
- Claustrophobia
- Patient size
- Previous reaction to Gadovist or other gadolinium contrast agent
- Presence of cardiac pacemakers
- Ferromagnetic intracranial aneurysm clips
- Certain neurostimulators
- Certain cochlear implants
Certain other ferromagnetic implants, devices, foreign bodies, or electronic devices
📌Note: Individuals with any of these, will only be screened with mammogram.