Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk Evaluation Clinic

The U-M Rogel Cancer Center's Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk Evaluation Clinic provides screening and counseling services for members of families that have a history of breast or ovarian cancer.

Those most appropriate for genetic counseling have:

• High numbers of family members with cancer diagnoses (especially breast and ovarian) throughout several generations, either maternal or paternal
• Family member diagnosed with cancer before age 50
• Family members who have been diagnosed with multiple cancers (for example, breast and ovarian)
• Male breast cancers, or clusterings of other cancers such as colon, prostate, stomach or pancreatic

This clinic is part of the U-M Health's Rogel Cancer Center and works in cooperation with the Weiser Family Center for Breast Cancer.

Before the initial clinic visit, the patient completes questionnaires either on paper or through a HIPAA complaint website to assess health history, breast and gynecologic care practices, family history and other risk factors. In addition, she or he is asked to indicate areas of greatest concern, so the session will meet personal needs.

The clinic session generally consists of:

• Presentation and review of family history, highlighting cancer occurrence
• Education in basic genetic principles as applied to breast and ovarian cancer
• Presentation of known cancer risk factors
• Frank discussion of individualized risk based on family history and other factors
• Discussion of behaviors thought to diminish and increase risk of various cancers
• Education regarding availability of genetic testing and current research programs
• Presentation of an individualized plan of follow-up care
• Recommendations with respect to lifestyle issues

Following the clinic visit

A confidential summary letter that reviews personal risk factors, an estimation of lifetime risk, guidelines for follow-up care and an overview of factors thought to minimize or accentuate the risk of developing cancer is sent to the patient.  If the patient was referred by their healthcare provider, that person is also informed by letter that the consultation has taken place and provided with the recommendations for continuing care.

If you're a patient interested in making an appointment, please call 734-647-8902.  Healthcare providers looking to refer a patient, please contact M-LINE: 800-962-3555.

For those with questions, please contact our Cancer AnswerLine at 800-865-1125.