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Your Breast Health Team: Who’s Who and Why They Matter

Understanding your breast cancer risk and getting the right screening starts with the right support team. From your primary care provider, who initiates the conversation, to specialists such as genetic counselors, breast imaging experts, and radiologists, each plays a distinct role in helping you assess your risk and choose the most suitable screening plan. This page introduces you to the key players involved in risk assessment and screening, so you know who to contact, what to ask, and how each person can assist you in making informed, empowered decisions about your breast health.

Breast Screening PCP

Primary Care Provider/ Gynocologist

This is often the provider you see most regularly—and the first person you’ll talk to about your breast health. They play a vital role in the early steps of screening and risk assessment:

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  • Review your personal and family health history to identify risk factors.

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  • Start the conversation about breast cancer screening, including when to begin and how often to get screened.

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  • Write the order for screening tests, such as mammograms (not required in all states or coverage plans), MRIs, CEMs, ultrasounds, etc.

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  • Discuss the results with you, helping you understand the next steps.

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However, while your PCP is your main point of contact, they rely on radiologists, especially breast imaging specialists, for guidance on what imaging to order and when, especially for higher-risk patients. That’s why communication between your provider and radiologist is so important.

Radiologist (Breast Imaging Expert)

Radiologists are physicians who interpret imaging tests, and breast imaging specialists are the true experts in screening for breast cancer.

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  • They analyze your mammogram or other imaging to detect early signs of cancer.

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  • Based on what they see—and your risk factors—they may recommend additional screening (like ultrasound or MRI) or suggest a shorter screening interval (e.g., every 6 months instead of yearly).

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  • Their recommendations are sent to your provider, who discusses them with you and helps coordinate next steps.

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While radiologists usually work behind the scenes, their role is crucial. They are the ones best equipped to determine what type of screening is needed and when, especially for those with dense breasts or elevated risk. But since most patients don’t speak directly with a radiologist, your provider helps translate and act on that expert guidance.

Breast screening radiologist
Breast genetic counselor

Genetic Counselor

Genetic counselors are specially trained professionals who help assess your inherited risk for breast cancer. You might be referred to a genetic counselor if:

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  • You have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, especially in close relatives.

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  • You or a family member have had early-onset breast cancer (usually before age 50).

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  • You have a known genetic mutation in your family (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2).

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  • Your ancestry includes groups with higher rates of genetic risk (e.g., Ashkenazi Jewish heritage).

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Genetic counselors work closely with both your primary care provider and the radiologist to help create a personalized screening plan:

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  • They review your detailed family history and medical background.

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  • If appropriate, they recommend and coordinate genetic testing.

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  • They help you understand your results, including what a positive or negative test means for your risk and future care.

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  • They may recommend earlier, more frequent, or additional types of screening, like breast MRI, depending on your level of risk.

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You don’t usually see a genetic counselor on your own—they’re typically brought into the care team after your provider or radiologist flags you as potentially high risk. Their expertise helps ensure that your screening plan is tailored to your unique genetic profile, rather than relying on general guidelines.

Community Health Worker (CHW)

Community Health Workers (CHW) are trusted members of the communities they serve and often act as a bridge between patients and the healthcare system. While they are not medical providers, they play a key role in supporting your access to screening and helping you understand your options:

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  • Help you navigate the healthcare system, including where and how to get screened.

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  • Provide culturally relevant education and support around breast cancer risk and screening options.

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  • Encourage conversations with your provider about family history, breast density, or other risk factors.

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  • Assist with scheduling, insurance questions, or transportation to appointments.

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  • Offer emotional support and advocacy, especially if you’re unsure where to start.

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CHWs may work in clinics, community centers, or nonprofit organizations, and they’re a valuable resource, especially in areas where access to screening and specialty care may be limited. They help make sure no one falls through the cracks when it comes to timely and appropriate breast cancer screening.

breast health community worker

Additional Providers

Medical oncologists, breast surgeons, oncology radiologists, and plastic surgeons typically become involved if a screening or follow-up test leads to a diagnosis. However, they may also provide consultation for people at very high risk.

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