Breaking the Family Cycle of Breast Cancer to Offer New Hope  

How high-risk cancer screenings are helping our patients

Shake Ovasapyan’s aunt died of breast cancer at age 47. Her mother passed away from the disease at 59. 

However, due to the vigilant preventative care she received at Keck Medicine of USC, Shake most likely will not carry on this unwanted family legacy.  

“My breast cancer surgeon, Dr. Maria Nelson, and her team have given me the best odds for avoiding cancer,” says Shake. “The technology and medical expertise weren’t available to save my mother and aunt, but fortunately they have been there for me.”  

Shake, 41, who works as a nurse practitioner at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, has received specialized breast cancer care from Keck Medicine for the last 10 years due to her high-risk status. To help more patients like Shake, our breast cancer practitioners have launched two new programs to help identify and treat individuals with a greater than average chance of developing cancer.  

Patients receiving routine mammograms or other screenings at a Keck Medicine facility now have their risk factor gauged through a diagnostic software tool that assesses cancer risk based on factors such as family history and past breast abnormalities or biopsies. Those who are identified with a 20% or greater lifetime chance of developing the disease can then take advantage of the newly created high-risk breast cancer clinic.   

This clinic is run by certified physician assistants and certified nurse practitioners. It offers individuals a breast exam, detailed medical history, risk evaluation, strategy for preventative breast imaging options and, if appropriate, testing to search for genetic variants associated with increased breast cancer risk.   

Patients then decide what level of additional screenings, clinical exams and tests would be best for their individual needs. Additionally, any patient who may want extra surveillance can request the services of the clinic. 

These two new layers of scrutiny save lives as well as fit in with the health system’s commitment to specialized, personalized medicine. No two patients are the same, especially when it comes to cancer.  

They are also another example of Keck Medicine’s excellence in breast cancer care. We offer the gold standard of breast imaging, including 3D mammography, targeted and whole breast ultrasound, breast MRI and contrast-enhanced mammography, which provides early and accurate detection for individuals who are unable to undergo breast MRI. Our practitioners also perform interventional procedures, including ultrasound-and MRI-guided breast biopsies.  

Keck Medicine not only leads the way in breast cancer diagnostics and prevention, but in treatment. Through clinical trials and scientific breakthroughs, we bring patients the most advanced therapies available. It’s no wonder that our USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center is consistently ranked as a top cancer program by U.S. News & World Report.  

For Shake, this exceptional care translated into years of constant support that included genetic testing, additional preventive screenings, multiple biopsies and surgeries to remove abnormal cells. Additionally, the team helped Shake through three pregnancies and three rounds of breast feeding, keeping careful watch for any hormone-related changes in the breasts that could mask or mimic cancer.  

Earlier this year, when a breast screening revealed yet another abnormal mass, Shake, with input from Dr. Nelson, and the rest of her care team, made the decision to schedule a prophylactic double mastectomy.  

Shake had the surgery in August and is still healing. “I am so thankful for my team and their clinical expertise,” she says. “I finally have the peace of mind that I will be around to raise my children.” 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I want to thank all of our talented and devoted breast care practitioners who help battle this all-too prevalent cancer and offer patients like Shake a chance for positive outcomes and healthy futures.  

I am so thankful for my team and their clinical expertise. I finally have the peace of mind that I will be around to raise my children.

Shake Ovasapyan, cancer patient

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