OSF Saint Anthony Center for Cancer Care Offers Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Class

Women who have never been diagnosed with breast cancer but may have a moderate to high risk for developing the disease are invited to a Breast Cancer Risk Reduction Class. The class generally meets from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month in the library at the OSF Saint Anthony Center for Cancer Care.

In addition to increasing age, risk factors for developing breast cancer include having a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, especially if diagnosed at an early age, or carrying flawed versions of certain genes that have been linked to breast cancer.

Women who have been diagnosed with precancerous breast changes, such as atypical hyperplasia, are also at increased risk. Recent studies show that the risk of breast cancer in high-risk women can be reduced with the use of certain anti-estrogen medication. Women who are concerned about their chance of developing hereditary breast cancer can use the “Pedigree Assessment Tool” (PAT) that Dr. Hoskins and his colleagues, Alice Zwaagstra, MS, RN, recently retired clinical nurse specialist for the OSF Saint Anthony cancer risk assessment program, and Michael Ranz, BS, MBA, developed for identifying women at high risk for hereditary breast cancer syndrome.

Information provided in the breast cancer risk reduction class is derived from the National Cancer Institute as well as information from the STAR study, including the benefits and risks of chemoprevention. Class size is limited, and registration is required. For registration and information, call 815-227-2618.