Are there any treatments to help high-risk patients avoid developing breast cancer?

High-risk patients are those with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer or those who have been identified for carrying certain gene mutations. Once a patient has worked with her physician to determine her level of risk, more frequent screenings, including clinical breast exams and mammography, might be a good option to manage the risk. For the highest-risk patients, some may benefit from medication while others may decide to reduce their risk by having both breasts and ovaries removed.