If you have a strong family history of breast and/or
ovarian cancer or you have had breast cancer before
age 50, you may have wondered why these cancers
have occurred and whether there might be a greater
risk to other family members. The University of
Pennsylvania Cancer Risk Evaluation Program (CREP)
at Doylestown Hospital may help to answer some of
these concerns.
Through this program, you and your family will
learn about the genetics of these cancers and help
determine whether there might be an inherited
genetic mutation (abnormal gene) that places you
and your family at increased risk of developing
breast and ovarian cancer.
Developed at the University of Pennsylvania's
Abramson Cancer Center, the program is now
available at the Doylestown Hospital Cancer
Center through our membership in the University
of Pennsylvania (Penn) Cancer Network.
"For many years, cancer genetics programs were
only available at academic medical centers. Through
our Cancer Network, we are making this program
more accessible to women in their local communities,"
says Cathy Belt, RN, MSN, AOCN, an administrator
for Penn's Cancer Network.
Only about 5 to 10 percent of all breast and
ovarian cancers are hereditary, or due to inherited
changes (mutations) in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
"Through testing and counseling, many women
who worry about breast and ovarian cancer may find
that their risk isn't greater than average. Others will
learn that they are, indeed, at higher risk, and should be extra vigilant," says Eileen Engle, MD, Doylestown
Hospital CREP Medical Director and Director of
Women's Services.
The risk evaluation begins at Doylestown
Hospital with a thorough review of your family and
medical history, mapping of a family tree (pedigree)
and analysis of your risk based on several risk models.
The team at Doylestown Hospital will then review
your case with experts of the Abramson Cancer
Center Breast and Ovarian CREP team, directed by
Susan Domchek, MD, a nationally recognized medical
oncologist in breast cancer care and researcher in
cancer genetics. For many women, this initial review is
enough to determine that the risk for breast and ovarian
cancer is average. If the experts recommend genetic
testing, program staff will counsel you about this and,
if you decide to be tested, oversee the process.
If genetic testing shows that you're at increased risk
for breast and ovarian cancer, or doctors think your
risk may be higher for other reasons, program staff
will provide counseling and education to develop a
plan to manage your risk.
Your plan could include increased screening
combining MRIs and mammograms; taking medications
such as Tamoxifen, that is proven to reduce the risk
of breast cancer; having preventive surgery; and/
or participating in clinical trials available through
Doylestown Hospital's membership in the University
of Pennsylvania Cancer Network.
The University of Pennsylvania Cancer Risk
Evaluation Program at Doylestown Hospital is based
at the Health and Wellness Center by Doylestown
Hospital in Warrington, Pa. Call 215-345-2200,
Ext. 4871 for information or to make an appointment.
