Shared Trait
Some women inherit a higher risk for breast or ovarian cancer. A special program at UVa helps these women safeguard their future.
Genes act as the body's blueprint, determining our gender, eye color - even the texture of our hair. The members of a family share many qualities because they share genetic information. Sometimes, a gene can change or alter, and that altered gene can be passed from parents to their children. Genetic alterations in two key genes have been shown to be a factor in 5 to 10 percent of breast and ovarian cancers. So knowing your family history can help determine if you, or other family members, may be at higher risk for developing these cancers.
Determine Your Cancer Risk
UVa offers a free, confidential evaluation that can help determine if a woman may have a higher inherited risk for developing breast or ovarian cancer. This is not a genetic test - the evaluation will not determine if you have any specific genes that have been linked to cancer. UVa's evaluation uses a nationally accepted model for calculating a woman's personal risk score based on her family history.
Maintain Your Health
Any woman who has a higher inherited risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer has access to an entire program of care designed specifically to keep close watch on her health and, in some cases, take preventive steps to maintain her health. UVa's High Risk Care program gives women access to a dedicated group of physicians, surgeons, nurse practitioners, genetic counselors and health educators - all working to provide each woman with effective, personalized options and long-term care designed to safeguard her health.
Learn more about the University of Virginia Health System's program for women at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer.
Free Cancer Risk Assessment
To request a free, confidential risk evaluation form for breast or ovarian cancer, call 888-882-9892.
This article appeared in the winter 2007 issue of Vim & Vigor, a family health magazine sponsored by UVA Health System. If you don't already receive it at home, sign up today. It's free.