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.