Dr. Dima Abdul Jabbar | Consultant Medical Oncologist in Abu Dhabi
Comprehensive Overview
High-Risk Breast Clinic
To identify, monitor, and manage individuals at elevated risk of developing breast cancer through personalized risk assessment, advanced screening protocols, genetic counseling, and tailored preventive strategies.
Whether you're newly diagnosed, seeking a second opinion, or looking for an experienced specialist to guide your long-term care, Dr. Dima and her team are here to help—with expertise you can trust and care you can feel.
Definition and Purpose
A High-Risk Breast Clinic (HRBC) is a specialized, multidisciplinary service focused on the early identification and proactive management of individuals at significantly increased lifetime risk for breast cancer.
The clinic serves as a central hub to:
- Stratify breast cancer risk
- Provide personalized screening and prevention plans
- Offer psychosocial support
- Facilitate timely referrals for genetics, oncology, or surgery
High-Risk Oncology Clinic Proposal
Objective
To establish a dedicated High-Risk Clinic for individuals at elevated risk of developing cancer due to genetic predisposition, strong family history, or predisposing conditions. The goal is early detection, personalized surveillance, genetic counseling, and preventive care to reduce cancer incidence and mortality.
- BRCA1/2 or other pathogenic mutations (e.g., TP53, PTEN, CHEK2)
- Strong family history of breast, ovarian, colon, pancreatic, or prostate cancers
- Personal history of atypical hyperplasia, LCIS, or multiple primary cancers
- Genetic syndromes (e.g., Lynch syndrome, Li-Fraumeni, Cowden, Peutz-Jeghers)
- History of prior chest irradiation
Whether you're newly diagnosed, seeking a second opinion, or looking for an experienced specialist to guide your long-term care, Dr. Dima and her team are here to help—with expertise you can trust and care you can feel.
High-Risk Criteria
Patients may be referred to the clinic if they meet any of the following criteria:
1
Family History
- First degree relatives with cancer
- Male breast cancer in the family
- Young age diagnosis in relative
2
Genetic Mutations
- BRCA1/2
- TP53 (Li-Fraumeni syndrome)
- Lynch syndrome breast associated
3
Personal History
- Atypical ductal hyperplasia (ADH)
- Atypical lobular hyperplasia (ALH)
- Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
Clinical Workflow
1. Initial Visit
- Full clinical evaluation by breast specialist
- Risk calculation using validated models (Gail, Claus, Tyrer-Cuzick v8)
- Breast exam and review of imaging
- Referral to genetic counseling if appropriate
2. Diagnostic Tools
- Imaging: Mammography, ultrasound, and MRI (typically annual MRI + mammogram if lifetime risk >20%)
- Pathology review: For previous biopsies or atypical lesions
3. Risk Reduction Options
- Lifestyle Counseling: Diet, physical activity, weight control, alcohol reduction
- Chemoprevention:
- Tamoxifen (for premenopausal women)
- Raloxifene, Exemestane, or Anastrozole (for postmenopausal women)
- Surgical Options:
- Risk-reducing bilateral mastectomy
- Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (in BRCA carriers)
Multidisciplinary Involvement
- Breast Surgeon / Medical Oncologist
- Genetic Counselor
- Radiologist (dedicated to breast imaging)
- Gynecologist (especially for BRCA patients)
- Psychologist / Social Worker
- Nutritionist
- Nurse Navigator / Coordinator
| Time | Topic & Description | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 – 12:10 PM | Opening the Next Chapter Welcome & Introduction | Dr. Humaid Al Shamsi |
| 12:10 – 12:40 PM | Mind–Body Magic Finding balance, easing stress, and exploring healing beyond medicine | Dr. Heidi |
| 12:40 – 1:10 PM | Eat Well, Feel Strong Nutrition tips for energy, weight balance, and long-term health | Dr. Noor Naji |
| 1:10 – 1:40 PM | Strong Bones, Strong You Protecting your bones during and after treatment | Dr. Dima Abdul-Jabbar |
| 1:40 – 2:10 PM | Moving Forward After Surgery Regaining comfort, mobility, and confidence | Dr. Hazem Khout |
| 2:10 – 2:40 PM | Light Steps, Healthy Lymph Physiotherapy moves and tips to prevent lymphedema | — |
| 2:40 – 3:10 PM | Peace of Mind Managing anxiety, low mood, and sleep challenges | Dr. Amir Javaid |
| 3:10 – 3:40 PM | Your Fertility Roadmap Reproductive health and intimacy after cancer | Dr. Ahmed Elbohoty |
| 3:40 – 4:10 PM | Love, Confidence & Connection Overcoming intimacy challenges and embracing body confidence | Dr. Ayat Al Hawarjeh |
| 4:10 – 4:40 PM | Oxygen Boost for Recovery How hyperbaric therapy helps healing, energy, and post-radiation care | Dr. Muhab Shafei |
| 4:40 – 5:30 PM | Celebrating You Closing remarks, connection time & refreshments | — |
Risk Level
Moderate Risk (15–20%)
Imaging Plan
Annual mammogram + possibly ultrasound (US)
Clinical Review
Annual
Preventive Strategies
Lifestyle changes
Possible chemoprevention
Risk Level
High Risk (>20–25%)
Imaging Plan
Annual mammogram and breast MRI
Clinical Review
Every 6–12 months
Preventive Strategies
Chemoprevention
Lifestyle modifications
Surgical counseling
Risk Level
Known Mutation Carrier
Imaging Plan
Annual MRI starting at age 25, mammogram from age 30
Clinical Review
Every 6 months
Preventive Strategies
Strong consideration for prophylactic surgery
| Risk Level | Imaging Plan | Review | Preventive Strategies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate Risk (15–20%) | Annual mammogram + possibly ultrasound (US) | Annual |
|
| High Risk (>20–25%) | Annual mammogram and breast MRI | Every 6–12 months |
|
| Known Mutation Carrier | Annual MRI starting at age 25, mammogram from age 30 | Every 6 months |
|
Education and Support
- Patient Education Seminars
- Support Groups (e.g., BRCA carriers, previvors)
- Psychological Counseling
- Fertility Counseling (for premenopausal women considering surgery)
Documentation and Reporting
Each patient receives:
- Written risk assessment summary
- Personalized screening and prevention plan
- Updates after multidisciplinary team discussions
- Copy of genetics results (if tested)
Benefits of the Clinic
- Earlier detection of malignancies
- Reduced incidence of invasive cancer via prevention
- Improved survival in high-risk individuals
- Coordinated and holistic care pathway
Whether you're newly diagnosed, seeking a second opinion, or looking for an experienced specialist to guide your long-term care, Dr. Dima and her team are here to help—with expertise you can trust and care you can feel.
Staffing
- Medical oncologist (lead)
- Genetic counselor(s)
- Nurse coordinator
- Surgical breast /GYN oncologist
- Psychologist
- Radiologist
- Administrative assistant
