High-Risk Program

Women At Risk

The High-Risk Program is a research, education, treatment and support program for women who are at high risk for developing breast cancer. It was founded at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in 1991 by a grassroots partnership of physicians and patient/volunteers who recognized that high-risk women would benefit most from interventions aimed at early diagnosis and prevention of breast cancer.

The High-Risk Registry Database, which is the cornerstone of the High-Risk Program, is a comprehensive computerized database with more than 1,600 participants. The Registry facilitates the creation of individualized protocols for participating women and provides a valuable resource for research in prevention, early detection and treatment of breast cancer. Numerous research studies have been published and presented at prestigious national conferences utilizing data from the High-Risk Registry Database.

Participants in the High-Risk Program have access to formal risk assessments, including ductal lavage, genetic counseling, risk-reduction strategies and screenings. These individuals also have access to educational seminars, and opportunities to participate in new research studies related to various aspects of breast cancer prevention.

Women At Risk also offers a peer-led High-Risk Support Group for women who are at an increased risk for developing breast cancer. This support group is a safe space to share questions, concerns, fears, and resources. Presentations are made periodically by genetic counselors, nutritionists, doctors, researchers, and other individuals who have relevant information to share. The support group meets on the third Wednesday of every month from 6-7:30PM in the Stacey Garil Womack Resource Library located on the 10th Floor, Room 1035, in the Herbert Irving Cancer Center, 161 Fort Washington Avenue. For more information, contact Lisa Held at lheld@womenatrisknyc.org or (212) 305-3269.

The High-Risk Program is currently running at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center, and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center.