Empowering Women Through Knowledge: Hoag’s Early Risk Assessment program helps women take charge of their breast health

While all women are at risk for developing breast cancer just by virtue of their sex, knowing your individual risk can make all the difference in the trajectory of your health.

That is why Hoag launched the Hoag Early Risk Assessment (HERA) program in 2014.

For decades, the globally recognized Gail and Tyrer-Cuzik assessment models have served as the two most trusted tests in determining a woman’s risk for breast cancer. But learning a patient’s risk score is only one part of the equation. While HERA identifies and informs women of high risk, the program doesn’t stop there. Patients with an elevated risk can:

• Consult with one of Hoag’s genetic counselors. During these consultations, patients can delve deeper into their risk category and learn more about genetic testing, inheritance patterns, and emotional support options for themselves and their family members.

• Speak directly with Hoag nurse practitioner Michelle Booth, MSN, FNP-C, OCN, who will make screening recommendations, discuss lifestyle modifications to reduce risk, and provide all information and recommendations to a patient’s provider.

Experts agree that many of the factors that increase a woman’s lifetime risk for breast cancer are within her control, including diet, exercise, smoking and alcohol consumption.

This means that women have the power to reduce their risk. HERA provides the tools and resources to help them accomplish this.

“We stand by each patient, offering guidance, advocacy and support,” Michelle said. “They are not in this alone.”

Knowledge is power. The power of HERA is to help women turn awareness into action.

Learn more about HERA