Breast and Ovarian Cancer Genetics Clinic

The Breast and Ovarian Cancer Genetics Clinic was the first disease program established within the Center for Cancer Risk Assessment (CCRA). Under the direction of Leif W. Ellisen, MD, PhD, our staff includes specialists in both breast oncology and genetics. We also work closely with the gynecology/oncology group at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Patients interested in an evaluation for hereditary breast or ovarian cancer meet first with a genetic counselor. 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.

Each patient's history is reviewed with Dr. Ellisen and the Breast and Ovarian Cancer Genetics team. When appropriate, we will make medical management recommendations. If you are identified as high-risk based on genetic testing and/or family history, you can choose to be followed by one of our high-risk specialists, Drs. Ellisen and Micalizzi, or other members of the high-risk team at the Mass General Cancer Center.

Should You Consider Genetic Counseling?

A visit to our clinic may 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 clinic include:

• Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (BRCA1/2 genes)
• Li-Fraumeni syndrome (TP53 gene)
• Cowden syndrome, also known at PTEN-hamartoma tumor syndrome (PTEN gene)
• Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer syndrome (CDH1 gene)