Genetic Testing and High Risk Screening

Genetics can impact your cancer risk. Emerson provides genetic testing and high risk screening for patients who want to know their risk to take steps to prevent breast cancer and ensure it is found at the earliest, most treatable stages.

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Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer

Genetic testing helps doctors understand the genetic causes of breast cancer, allowing for more personalized and targeted treatments. It involves analyzing the tumor’s DNA to assess whether a patient is at high or low risk of cancer returning. If a patient is at low risk, they may not need chemotherapy.

Women diagnosed with breast cancer are generally offered genetic testing if they are under 50 or have a family history of mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. These mutations can increase the risk of developing breast cancer (56–87%), ovarian cancer (27–44%), and pancreatic cancer (2–4%). Men with these mutations also face higher risks for breast, pancreatic, and prostate cancer.

A medical oncologist manages genetic testing and helps patients understand the results. If a patient tests positive for a BRCA mutation, they may need to take steps to lower their future cancer risk. Preventive options include surgery to remove both breasts (prophylactic mastectomy) and ovaries or more frequent screenings for breast and ovarian cancer.

For more information or to schedule testing, call 978-287-3547.

High-Risk Screening

If you are at a higher risk of breast cancer, the team at Emerson Hospital and the Mass General Cancer Center at Emerson Hospital can guide you through your options and help create a personalized plan to manage your risk. This might include additional screenings, medications to prevent breast cancer, or preventive surgeries such as removing both breasts or ovaries.

Our team of experts, including specialists in breast imaging, surgery, oncology, and genetics, will work together to determine the best approach based on your individual situation. Your doctor can use a breast cancer risk assessment to help decide if you are at an increased risk.

Familial and Genetic Factors

A family history of breast or ovarian cancer may increase your own risk. Important genetic factors include:

  • Mutations in genes like BRCA1, BRCA2, and others.
  • Hereditary syndromes that may increase the risk of breast cancer.
  • Conditions such as neurofibromatosis.

Tissue-Based Findings (Breast Biopsy)

A breast biopsy can also uncover signs of higher cancer risk. These include:

  • Atypical ductal hyperplasia, atypical lobular hyperplasia, and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS).
  • Flat epithelial atypia, cytologic atypia, papilloma, sclerosing adenosis, and radial scar.

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