Amy C. Degnim MD

Amy C. Degnim, M.D., focuses on improving the ability to predict breast cancer risk for individual women by studying breast tissue for very early signs of premalignant change. Dr. Degnim leads a team that pursues multiple research projects based on the Mayo Clinic Benign Breast Cohort, involving approximately 15,000 women. The goal of these multidisciplinary studies is to improve the accuracy of breast cancer risk prediction, which in turn will facilitate improved breast cancer prevention. Aspects of this large research effort include the study of histology, genomics, immunology and breast-imaging changes that are associated with risk of developing breast cancer.

Dr. Degnim also leads research efforts related to improving the quality of breast surgery by reducing complications of surgery. She has pioneered clinical research on breast lymphedema as well as trials on the use of drain antisepsis techniques to reduce surgical site infection.