Risk Assessment
with Scott Maizel, MD
How is a woman’s risk for breast cancer determined?
More than 175,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. At GBMC, the High-Risk Assessment Center in the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Comprehensive Breast Care Center is able to provide results beyond those offered by a mammogram and help women determine their risk of developing the disease.
The High-Risk Assessment Center has been in operation since last year and breast cancer patients are able to benefit from care and treatment from breast surgeons, radiologists, breast imagers, oncologists, radiation therapists, counselors and geneticists. “Many women are concerned about their risk of developing breast cancer and some are under the impression that they have an increased risk of developing the disease,” says Scott Maizel, MD, Director of the High-Risk Assessment Center at GBMC. “We hope at the conclusion of a visit here, many will find they are at a normal risk level. For women with an increased risk, we have programs to help them take an active role in reducing their risk.”
Many patients of the High-Risk Assessment Center are self-referred or referred by a physician or obstetrician gynecologist. At the Center, patients receive many specialized services that go beyond the typical exam. The process starts with gathering background information that is helpful for determining risk. When a woman makes an appointment at the Center, she is asked to bring all past imaging studies of her breast tissue and any past biopsy results. She is also asked to speak with family members before the appointment to obtain accurate family history information.
“We review all material with them and afterwards they receive a complete and thorough breast examination,” says Dr. Maizel. “We review all results with the radiologists to make sure the imaging studies are accurate. We also have patients enter their personal medical data into a computer that can help determine genetic component to their risk.” If results from the first appointment show an increased risk for breast cancer, patients may meet with a geneticist or undergo additional blood studies for additional analysis.
Patients who are at a high risk for breast cancer need to be examined by a breast surgeon or physician at least twice per year and may need to undergo further imaging tests, ultrasound or a breast MRI. High-risk women may also consider risk reduction measures, such as medication or surgery. “Unfortunately the only type of surgery that can reduce risk is a bilateral mastectomy,” says Dr. Maizel. “For women who do not wish to undergo surgery, we can reduce risk by up to 50 percent with medication. This is very effective and can be an excellent option for many women.”
The integration of medical and surgical specialties helps make GBMC an excellent facility for women to seek care and treatment. “We are completely committed to women’s health,” says Dr. Maizel. “Our facility is in a convenient location and we are able to integrate many services under one roof. We are pleased to be able to offer patients a caring and sensitive experience.”
