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Am I at high risk for breast cancer?
Our
Genetics Counseling Program helps identify individuals who may be at high
risk for developing cancer. Armed with this information, individuals and their
physicians can plan preventive measures, or a cancer can be identified early in
when it is most curable.
The Cancer Genetics Counseling Program provides:
- Confidential hereditary cancer risk assessment and counseling
- Access to on-going local and national cancer genetics research studies
- Education for patients, health care professionals and the community
- Genetic testing and DNA banking when appropriate
About 5% - 10% of all cancers can be passed on from generation to generation.
Click here for a free, confidential online assessment.
Aurora BayCare helps women with a significant risk of developing breast
cancer proactively minimize that risk.
Preconsultation
The first step is a phone or in-person interview covering your health
history, your family health history, gynecologic care practices and other risk
factors. This information serves as the basis to determine if any additional
assessment tools, such as genetic testing, are needed.
Consultation
During the 1-on-1 consultation with the breast care physician and genetic
counselor, you not only gain an understanding of your individual risk, but you
also learn how genetics may play a role in the development of breast cancer, and
steps you can take to reduce the risk.
The consultation includes:
- A review of your family history, with an emphasis on cancer occurrence
- Your individual risk assessment based on family history and other known
risk factors
- Proper breast self-exam instruction
- A discussion about the availability of state-of-the-art procedures to
further determine your level of risk, if needed or desired
- A discussion of surveillance and medical management strategies for the
early detection or prevention of cancer
Further assessment
For many women, the consultation may provide the information they need to
gain piece of mind and a plan to manage their risk. For others, further
assessment and testing may be suggested or desired to further evaluate the level
of breast cancer risk.
Next steps to high risk breast care
Once a woman understands her own unique risk, the staff will discuss options
available to help reduce this risk and help develop a plan of action.
Depending on your risk level, options range from on-going close monitoring, to
use of medications, such as Tamoxifen, to participation in clinical trials
comparing preventive medications to preventive surgery.
To make an appointment
To make an appointment or for more information call the Aurora Breast Center
at 920-288-8480. If you have any questions or concerns about cancer please
call the Vince Lombardi Cancer Hotline at 800-252-2990.
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