Risk Assessment for Breast and Ovarian Cancer at Newton-Wellesley Hospital

Breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths for American women. Every year, more than 200,000 women in the U.S. learn that they have breast cancer. While not as common, men can also develop breast cancer.

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women. It is considered the deadliest of gynecological cancers because it presents few and subtle symptoms and, consequently, is most often diagnosed in its late stages. Currently, 50 percent of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer die within five years.

A family history of breast or ovarian cancer has been identified as one of the major risk factors for developing these diseases. About 10 percent of breast and ovarian cancer cases are hereditary (passed along genetically from one generation to the next). Alterations in either of the two known breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility genes have been shown to increase the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. A blood test is used to determine if an individual has an alteration on one of those genes.

Newton-Wellesley’s Approach to Risk Assessment

While every woman can develop breast and/or ovarian cancer, some are at higher risk than others. A complete family history can alert some women to their increased risk for breast and/or ovarian cancer.

The Auerbach Breast Center at Newton-Wellesley Hospital offers a comprehensive approach to identify and inform women who might not be aware of their risk. Thousands of women receive annual screening mammograms at Newton-Wellesley’s Women’s Imaging Center. Due to family history, several hundred are likely to be at a higher than average risk for developing breast and/or ovarian cancer.

Newton-Wellesley has pioneered the use of specially designed computer software that can analyze family health history to identify potentially high cancer risk. Breast Center and Women’s Imaging Center patients who may be at increased risk for breast and ovarian cancer are informed and offered a consultation to discuss next step options.

This risk assessment service is designed to help patients at Newton-Wellesley Hospital take control of their health and well being in a proactive way.

Family History and Your Health

What determines the color of your hair and eyes, your height and weight? The genes you inherit from your mother and father influence these and other personal characteristics. Genes come in pairs and are nature’s blueprints for every living thing. One set of genes is passed down (or inherited) from your mother and the other set from your father. Genes determine how your body will function and grow.

Medical research has revealed that families also pass along tendencies to develop certain health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and more. Some cancers have also been found to have a significant hereditary link. About five to ten percent of gastrointestinal cancers (colon, pancreas and stomach), melanoma (skin) cancer, and breast and ovarian cancers are connected to genetic factors that are passed on from one generation to the next.

Information about your family’s health history can help you make decisions about ways to prevent certain conditions or, in the case of cancer, begin screening tests for the purpose of early detection. In the case of most cancers, early detection increases the likelihood of more effective treatment and survival.

Creating a Family Health History Record

The following suggestions can help you create a record of your family’s health history:

• Talk directly with your relatives for the most accurate health history information. Explain to them that their health information can help improve prevention and screening of diseases for all family members.

• Ask your relatives about any health conditions they have had, including a history of chronic illnesses (such as heart disease), pregnancy complications (such as miscarriage), any developmental disabilities and cancers. Note the age of cancer diagnosis. Cancers diagnosed at a younger age have a higher risk of being hereditary. Get as much specific information as possible.

• It is most useful if you can list the formal name of any medical condition that has affected you or your relatives. When complete, show your family health history information to your primary care physician.

• If you are planning to have children, you and your partner should each create a family health history and show it to your physician.

If you have questions about Newton-Wellesley’s Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Program, please call The Auerbach Breast Center at 617-243-5540.