DERBY - As many women make New Year’s resolutions to improve their health, the Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Health is recommending that some get more than just mammograms for better breast care.
“Genetic testing and counseling are critical for women who have a history of cancer in their families,” said Dr. Denise Barajas, a breast surgeon and medical director at the Hewitt Center. “By understanding their hereditary and familial breast cancer risk, women can get a head start on screening and other preventive health measures that significantly increase their chances for treating and beating breast cancer as well as providing potentially lifesaving information for their relatives.”
According to the American Cancer Society, about 5-10% of breast cancer cases are hereditary, meaning that they result directly from gene changes passed on from a parent.
The most common cause of hereditary breast cancer is an inherited mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, which help make proteins that repair damaged DNA. Mutated versions of these genes can lead to abnormal cell growth and potentially cancer.
On average, a woman with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation has up to a 7-in-10 chance of getting breast cancer by age 80. This hereditary risk also increases according to how many other family members have had breast cancer.
“Women with familial or hereditary cancer risk have a higher chance of developing cancer during their lifetime,” Dr. Barajas said. “Knowing if they are at higher risk for cancer empowers women to make lifesaving medical management decisions and enables their care team to create a personalized plan to reduce their risk of developing cancer, or increase the likelihood of finding cancer at an earlier and more treatable stage.”
Women should consider genetic testing and counseling if they have a personal history of breast ovarian, pancreatic colorectal, endometrial or uterine cancer, Dr. Barajas said.
The testing can also be needed for women who have a family history of:
- Breast cancer at age 50 or younger
- Ovarian cancer or male breast cancer at any age
- Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry AND have a relative diagnosed with breast cancer
- A first-degree relative with pancreatic, colon, rectal, or endometrial cancer at age 49 or younger
- A gene mutation found in a family member
The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness offers peace of mind with its High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic. Women who have the risk factors for breast cancer can call the Clinic at 203-732-7233 to make an appointment for evaluation.
Those who meet criteria for genetic testing will meet with a genetic counselor for a full history and risk assessment, and a sample can be collected for analysis. When the results are available, an individualized plan for prevention, screenings or treatment can be created.
About The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness
The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness at Griffin Hospital opened in 2011, combining state-of-the-art technology, a team of highly trained physicians and staff, and a Planetree healing environment to offer patients a comprehensive range of personalized breast care and wellness services.
The Hewitt Center for Breast Wellness features two state-of-the-art digital mammography suites with 3D mammography (tomosynthesis) capability, a breast ultrasound suite, and advanced stereotactic biopsy.
The Center also utilizes a rapid diagnostic model where patients are often given test results the same day imaging tests are performed, and if indicated, follow up testing (ultrasound, breast biopsy) and even consultation with a breast surgeon are often available the same day if the patient’s schedule permits.
For more information, call 203-732-1300 or visit griffinhealth.org/cbw.
This is a press release from Griffin Hospital.
