Program Offers Women a Personalized Approach to Breast Cancer Prevention & Treatment 

By Nicole Young, Vitals contributor 

Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, now part of Sutter Health, is launching a High-Risk Breast Clinic that will monitor women at elevated risk for breast cancer and offer comprehensive, personalized risk assessments and recommendations for prevention and early detection.   

“We are proud to be a community leader in breast cancer prevention, care and treatment and this High-Risk Breast Clinic is an extension of that,” commented Dr. Kurt Ransohoff, President, Sutter Health, Greater Central Coast.  “Our goal is to empower patients with knowledge, prevention strategies and access to cutting-edge care. We are hopeful that this collaboration and innovation will result in better outcomes for our patients, a reduction in their cancer risk and compassionate, and seamless, patient-centered care for those who need it.”  

Expertise of the High-Risk Breast Clinic Team 

The High-Risk Breast Clinic team director Ridley-Tree Cancer Center breast surgeon Dr. Rosa Choi, physician assistant Sirena Sechslingloff, Ridley-Tree Cancer Center breast surgeon Dr. Katrina Mitchell and Sansum Clinic breast radiologist Dr. Winifred Leung will collaborate with surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, OB/Gyns, primary care clinicians, genetic counselors, researchers and patient navigators across Sutter Health’s Central Coast footprint to offer patients integrated, coordinated care.  

“We can effectively cure 98% of breast cancer found in its beginning stages, so the sooner we can find it, the better,” confirmed Choi.

A meeting of the High-Risk Breast Clinic at Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, now part of Sutter Health

How the Clinic Works 

Anyone from the Central Coast community who has a referral from their primary care clinician and who meets the eligibility criteria may schedule an appointment with Sechslingsloff who is certified in breast oncology by the American Society of Breast Surgeons.  

In these consultations, patients will learn more about their individual risk factors, explore strategies to reduce that risk, and receive tailored recommendations for breast screening, genetic testing, lifestyle changes and medicines which can lower breast cancer risk. If immediate medical attention is required, Sechslingloff will connect those women with breast cancer specialists at Ridley-Tree Cancer Center. 

Eligibility criteria include individuals who: 

• Had a breast biopsy with pathology that shows atypical cells or lobular carcinoma in situ.
• Have a history of radiation to the chest wall between the ages of 10-30 years   
• Have a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) under the age of 50 with a breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer diagnosis 
• Have a male family member with breast cancer     
• Have multiple family members with breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer   
• Are of Ashkenazi Jewish descent with a family history of breast cancer 
• Have a known genetic mutation predisposing them to breast cancer development 

These factors do not automatically place women into a high-risk category, but they may indicate when a formal breast cancer assessment is needed. Those with a history of breast cancer in their immediate family are at higher risk for developing the disease themselves.  

“Women of average risk have a 13% chance of getting diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Women are considered at high risk if they have a 20% or higher lifetime risk of developing the disease,” said Sechslingloff. “I look forward to welcoming women to our Clinic, and helping them better understand their risk level so they can make the most informed decisions about their health,” 

Breast Imaging for High-Risk Breast Clinic Patients 

Women who consult with the High-Risk Breast Clinic will receive a breast screening schedule designed to meet their level of risk. 

 “Women who are identified as high risk may need to go from receiving an annual mammogram, which we recommend for women starting at age 40, to needing a breast ultrasound, or an alternating schedule of mammograms and breast MRIs,” noted Leung. “This Clinic will set the stage for these important conversations with patients about screening, so we can get ahead of breast cancer.” 

Dr. Winifred Leung and her patient in a 3D mammography suite at Sansum Clinic, now part of Sutter Health

Patients will have access to Sansum Clinic’s Breast Imaging Center of Excellence which offers 3D mammography (Tomosynthesis), diagnostic mammography, breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), whole breast ultrasound and breast ultrasound.   

Elevating Cancer Care for Patients 

At the forefront of comprehensive outpatient cancer care on the Central Coast for more than 70 years, Ridley-Tree Cancer Center is now part of Sutter Health. The system has helped the center to further strengthen the already-exceptional, patient-centered cancer care it offers.  

In addition to the 25 oncology specialists and 29 local clinical trials on the Central Coast, the center now has access to Sutter’s network of 170 cancer experts and the system’s 150+ clinical trials.   

Patients of the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center receive comprehensive support services including navigation, genetic counseling, nutrition, social work and wellness, which is generously funded by the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara.