Are You at Risk for Breast Cancer?
New GBMC Program Assesses Women’s Risk for Developing the Disease

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, other than skin cancer. And, according to the American Cancer Society, it is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. Statistics like these cause worry for many women. But how can you accurately and objectively determine your individual risk?

That objective assessment is now available to women, thanks to GBMC’s newly launched Breast  Cancer Risk Assessment Program for which Scott E. Maizel, MD, FACS serves as Director. The program, which is available at GBMC’s Sandra and Malcolm Berman Comprehensive

Breast Care Center, incorporates the latest computer risk assessment tools to provide women with a comprehensive assessment of their actual risk of developing breast cancer. GBMC is the only hospital in the Mid Atlantic region with this state-of-the-art technology.

The assessment includes:

• Detailed personal and family medical history, which the patient enters into a handheld computer system developed by researchers at Harvard University
• Review of previous mammograms, other imaging studies and biopsy slides and reports
• Comprehensive clinical breast exam
• Additional studies and biopsies, if needed

If the assessment uncovers a high risk for developing breast cancer, a plan to manage that risk will be developed and implemented. Patients with an increased genetic risk will be referred to GBMC’s Harvey Institute for Human Genetics for genetic counseling and, if necessary, testing.

After the risk assessment is complete, patients and referring physicians receive a summary of the findings with recommendations for continuing care and surveillance.

“The care we provide through this program is very intensive and specialized. We bring together a staff dedicated to the care of women at high risk for breast cancer in a comfortable setting with access to a full range of medical resources. A visit to the program will empower patients with objective information and a plan to manage their risk,” believes Dr. Maizel. Patients can be referred by their family physician or OB/GYN.