Prevention & Screening  Genetic Counseling
Genetic Counseling for Breast Cancer at the Comprehensive Breast Center
The Cancer Genetics Program offers a comprehensive cancer risk assessment that focuses on family history and genetics, along with environmental and lifestyle factors.
Breast cancer education and individualized risk assessment is initiated by evaluation of one's personal risk factors.
Individuals meet with a genetic counselor to review their family's history and construct a family tree to uncover cancer patterns.
Lifestyle factors and attitudes about cancer risk are explored.
A personalized cancer risk profile with strategies to lessen the likelihood of developing the disease is developed.
By identifying risks for the disease and detecting cancers early, genetic counseling can dramatically improve the chances of surviving breast cancer.
The Comprehensive Breast Center offers genetic counseling and testing through its Cancer Genetics Program, a program designed for women who are at high risk for developing breast cancer.
The program includes:
- Genetic counseling for women with a personal or family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer
- Genetic testing for BRCA1, BRCA2 and other genes, which predispose women to breast and ovarian cancers
- Participation in research programs, as appropriate
- Key Indicators of Hereditary Breast Cancer
Studies have shown that having a close relative with breast or ovarian cancer may increase one's personal risk for developing these types of cancer.
The link between genes and cancer is often strongest in families where:
- Breast cancer occurs at a much younger age than average
- Breast and/or ovarian cancer occurs in several close relatives
- Breast cancer and ovarian cancer occur in one individual
- Breast cancer occurs in both breasts
- Breast cancer occurs in a male
Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer
Genetic testing for BRCA 1, BRCA 2, or other breast cancer susceptibility genes can be elected.
Mutations in these genes increases a lifetime risk of breast, ovarian and associated cancers.
The value of genetic testing is very much dependent on a woman's or man's individual preference after full education about benefits and risks.
From the information gained during this process, personally designed prevention and early detection strategies can be developed.
Breast Cancer Research Studies
Research studies are key to future interventions to prevent breast cancer.
All program participants are offered enrollment in projects related to various aspects of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Education for Women at Risk
WAR also organizes seminars, support groups, opportunities to enroll in ongoing research projects, and free lectures.
Our resource library provides books, articles, videos and pamphlets.
And we publish an annual newsletter with updates on the organization's many activities.
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