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Breast and Ovarian Cancer Genetics Program

We help identify and provide comprehensive, coordinated medical care for families that have a hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer syndrome.

Explore the Breast and Ovarian Cancer Genetics Program

The Breast and Ovarian Cancer Genetics Program helps to identify and provide comprehensive, coordinated medical care for families that have a hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer syndrome. Under the direction of Leif W. Ellisen, MD, PhD, our program includes specialists in both breast oncology and genetics, and we also work closely with the gynecology/oncology group at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Patients with pathogenic variants in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer genes are managed comprehensively with our team of physicians and genetic counselors. We also provide risk assessment for patients interested in an evaluation for hereditary breast or ovarian cancer. During the initial genetics consultation, family history is carefully reviewed. If your personal or family history suggests a possible genetic risk, we will discuss the option of genetic testing.

Should You Consider Genetic Counseling?

Our program is appropriate for any individual that has a pathogenic variant in a breast and ovarian cancer predisposition gene. It may also be appropriate if you have a personal or family history of one or more of the following:

  • Breast cancer diagnosed before age 45
  • Breast cancer in three or more people on one side (maternal or paternal) of the family
  • Bilateral breast cancer diagnosis
  • Breast cancer in an individual of Ashkenazi Jewish descent
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Family history of:
    • Breast and ovarian cancer
    • Breast, thyroid and uterine cancer
    • Breast, sarcoma, leukemia, adrenal cortical cancer and brain cancer
    • Breast cancer and diffuse gastric cancer
    • Breast and pancreatic cancer

Hereditary Breast/Ovarian Cancer Diseases

The conditions most commonly discussed with patients in our program include:

View our library of fact sheets about inherited cancer risk and genetic testing.


Patient Story


Patient Education

Cancer Early Detection and Diagnostics Clinic

Cancer Early Detection and Diagnostics Clinic

This clinic provide patients with comprehensive cancer diagnosis in one location.

Genetic Testing Fact Sheets

Genetic Testing Fact Sheets

View our library of genetic testing fact sheets.

Genetic Testing FAQs

Genetic Testing FAQs

Answers to genetic testing FAQs, by our team of certified genetic counselors.

Mind Body Program

Mind Body Program

Learn about the Mind Body Program for Individuals with Hereditary Cancer Syndromes.

Breast Cancer Treatment Program

Breast Cancer Treatment Program

Learn about the Cancer Center's Breast Cancer Treatment Program.

Triple Negative Breast Cancer Program

Triple Negative Breast Cancer Program

Our program provides care to patients with all stages of TNBC.

Ovarian Cancer Treatment Program

Ovarian Cancer Treatment Program

Learn about the Cancer Center's Ovarian Cancer Treatment Program.

Ellisen Lab

Ellisen Lab

Learn about Dr. Ellisen's research.

FORCE

FORCE

FORCE is a national nonprofit organization devoted to hereditary breast & ovarian cancer.

Be Bright Pink

Be Bright Pink

Bright Pink provides support to young women at high risk for breast & ovarian cancer.


Videos

Contact the Mass General Cancer Center

Contact us to make an appointment or to learn more about our programs.