In this episode of Save Your Breast, Dr. Heather Macdonald — an OB/GYN, breast surgeon, and Director of the High-Risk Breast Clinic at Hoag — joins Dr. Nirav Savalia and host Kacey Polanco to unpack what it really means to be “high risk” for breast cancer.

They break down how women can determine their level of risk, what genetic testing actually reveals, and how fertility, hormones, and family planning factor into preventive decisions. From understanding when a mastectomy is — or isn’t — necessary to navigating hormonal risk and early menopause, this episode empowers women with the knowledge they need to make confident, informed choices about their health.

Whether you’re navigating your own risk, supporting a loved one, or simply want to understand your options, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and hope.

Timestamps: 2:45 – Understanding Your Breast Cancer Risk 5:30 – Breast Cancer & Fertility in Young Women 7:30 – The Role of Genetic Testing 13:00 – Treatment Recommendations vs. Personal Options 16:40 – What to Know About Risk-Reducing Mastectomies 19:30 – Mastectomy vs. Lumpectomy: Recurrence Rates 25:20 – When a Mastectomy Is Recommended Immediately 30:35 – Why Women Have More Options Than They Realize 34:00 – High-Risk Patients & Fertility Considerations 40:00 – The Effects of Estrogen & Progesterone 56:30 – A Final Message to All Women

For more resources, expert guidance, and upcoming episodes, visit SaveYourBreast.com.