Home > Prevention & Risk Assessment > Genetics > Breast and Ovarian Cancer Genetic Risks
The Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk Evaluation Program provides individuals with an accurate assessment of
their personal risk for developing breast and other related
cancers and offers a plan for follow-up and preventive care.
Prior to the Consultation
Before the initial clinic visit, the patient
completes questionnaires to assess health history, breast
and gynecologic care practices, family history and other risk
factors. In addition, she or he is asked to indicate areas
of greatest concern, so the session will meet personal needs.
During
the Consultation
The clinic session generally consists of:
- Presentation and review of family history, highlighting
cancer occurrence
- Education in basic genetic principles as applied to breast
and ovarian cancer
- Presentation of known cancer risk factors
- Frank discussion of individualized risk based on family
history and other factors
- Instruction in proper breast self-examination technique
- Discussion of behaviors thought to diminish and increase
risk of various cancers
- Education regarding availability of genetic testing and
current research programs
- Presentation of an individualized plan of follow-up care
- Recommendations with respect to lifestyle issues
Following the Consultation
After the consultation, the referring physician
is informed by letter that the consultation has taken place
and provided with the recommendations for continuing care.
In addition, each client is sent a confidential summary letter
that reviews personal risk factors, an estimation of lifetime
risk, guidelines for follow-up care and an overview of factors
thought to minimize or accentuate the risk of developing cancer.
Additional Services
Because the University of Michigan Comprehensive
Cancer Center emphasizes multidisciplinary care, such services
as on-site breast imaging and gynecologic and surgical consultation
are available upon request.
Still have questions?
For more information about the Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Risk Evaluation Program or to make an appointment, call the
Cancer AnswerLine at 1-800-865-1125 or 734-764-0107, 9 a.m.
to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Return to the top of the
page
Breast & Ovarian Risk Evaluation Program
