Genetics

Emory University's Cancer Genetics Program provieds risk assessment and counseling for patients and families concerned about the possibility of a hereditary cancer risk.  A genetic counseling visit includes a review of the family history of cancer, personalized risk assessment and discussion of surveillance and genetic testing options.  A summary letter is provided to the patient and their referring physician.  Visit the Emory Genetics Department to find additional information about the program or to find out who may benefit from genetic counseling.

High Risk

If you answer "yes" to any of the following questions, you may want to meet with the High Risk Specialty Team here at Winship.

• Do you have a personal and/or family history of breast cancer? (early onset = under age 50)
• Do you have family members with breast AND ovarian cancer OR bilateral (both sides) breast cancer?
• Do you have concerns that you may be at increased risk for breast cancer?
• Do you have concerns about hormone replacement therapy and the risk of breast cancer?
• Do you have a history of biopsy proved atypical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ?
• Do you have a male family member with breast cancer?
• Are you a Jewish woman with breast cancer or a family history of breast cancer?
• Are you a Jewish woman with ovarian cancer or a family history of ovarian cancer?
• Are you a relative of a person with known mutation of the BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 gene?

High Risk Team

Our team at Winship includes surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, gynecologic oncologists, genetic counselors, dedicated breast radiologists, nurse practictioners and nurse educators.  Our team is committed to providing information about genetic and other risk factors for breast and ovarian cancer.  We also discuss with patients and their families the best options for preventing and reducing the risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

How is this done?

• personal risk assessment
• clinical breast exams
• screening tests
• preventive agents (i.e. STAR trial)
• surgical assessment and recommendations

For additional information, contact the Nurse Practitioner Breast Health Specialist at 404-778-PINK (404-778-7465), Option #3.