Dr. Termuhlen Talks About The High Risk Breast Cancer Center
Paula Termuhlen, MD is medical director of the High Risk Breast Cancer Center at Miami Valley Hospital. The center was designed to meet the needs of women at a higher risk of developing breast cancer for any number of reasons. "If there's a family history of breast cancer, we are here to help determine what the true risk might be," said Dr. Termuhlen.
Dr. Termuhlen says a woman’s physician can refer her to the center or women can self-refer. Typically there is a phone evaluation first when an appointment is made. “At that point our nurse practitioner will meet the patient and do an examination to determine what the risk might be and begin the education process.”
At the High Risk Breast Cancer Center, women receive a schedule of what surveillance is recommended. "We also recommend what imaging is needed. That can include everything from the annual mammogram, to an MRI, to occasional ultrasounds."
Dr. Termuhlen says if a woman has never had breast cancer but they meet certain criteria, the drug Tamoxifen might be indicated to lower the risk. “One of the things we do as part of this center is to actually calculate a woman’s risk so we can give them a five-year mark.”
Dr. Termhulen believes it’s very important that women know they have a role in helping themselves. “We can help prevent the breast cancer, so being aware of that, not being scared about finding out, is important.”