May 06, 2014 10:30 AM EDT By Jaleesa Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

NorthShore University HealthSystem in Illinois is launching a program that offers comprehensive breast health evaluation for women to determine their risk for developing breast cancer, the Chicago Tribune reported.

As part of the Kellogg Cancer Center Risk Assessment and Prevention - High Risk Breast Program, patients are able to meet with a multidisciplinary team of breast health experts and receive an evaluation of their family history, a clinical breast exam, a review of their imaging, and the use of statistical risk models to identify their risk for developing breast cancer.

"It's important for women, particularly those who have been told they have breast abnormalities such as dense breasts, atypical cells or a family history of the disease, to develop a breast health care plan," Barb Guido, coordinator of the clinic, said in a statement. "For some patients that may mean additional imaging exams, for others it may involve participating in clinical studies. At NorthShore, we can make an evaluation and a recommendation that will educate and empower women to take charge of their breast health."

According to officials at NorthShore University HealthSystem, women should consider a breast health evaluation if they have a personal or family history of breast cancer, a history of hormone replacement therapy, a history of radiation therapy to the chest between the age of 10 and 30, and Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry and a personal or family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer.

The team will also help patients create a health plan, and coordinate any needed imaging tests and referrals to specialists such as medical genetics team at NorthShore.  Each patient receives a personal risk assessment and screening plan.

The team will be headed by surgical oncologists Katharine Yao, MD, and Jose Velasco, MD, and is also comprised of medical oncologists, medical geneticists, radiologists, genetic counselors, and a nurse practitioner.

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