About one in 10 women has a family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer that puts her at increased risk of developing these malignancies due to underlying genetic factors. These resources provide opportunities to learn about hereditary breast cancer syndromes, how to use family history to assess risk level, genetic testing, using genetic information to inform management, and communicating with patients about genetic risk.

About breast cancer

Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome. Clinical features, diagnosis, testing and genetics of HBOC syndrome.

Genes and cancer risks associated with syndromes. A table to help identify genetically related cancers.

Clinical resources

Cancer risk assessment. Identify red flags and stratify cancer risk based on family history.

Breast cancer risk and screening guidelines. Summarizes screening guidelines for patients at average, increased, and high genetic breast cancer risk.

Communicating risk. Key points to consider when communicating risk to patients.

Pretest counseling key points. Key points to address during pre-test counseling.

Components of a cancer genetic counseling session.  Discusses the core components of a cancer genetic counseling session.

Hereditary cancer management guidelines.Lists and links to evidence-based guidelines and professional society publications that address management of hereditary and familial cancer. 

Genetic testing methods. Enhanced e-book available for download that provides information about different genetic testing methods currently used in testing for hereditary cancer syndromes.

Accessing Cancer Genetic Services. Find genetics professionals and communicate with patients about a genetics referral.

Cancer genetic services in Maine and Connecticut Listing of available cancer genetics services in Maine and Connecticut.

Patient resources

Hereditary breast cancer patient and family resources. Patient resources for understanding genetic services and breast cancer genetics.

Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues

GINA overview. GINA protects individuals from the misuse of genetic information in health insurance and employment. This overview provides information about the law.

Courses

Genetic testing for breast cancer risk Self-directed, 15-minute online program about evaluating how well a particular genetic test assesses breast cancer risk (clinical validity) and the potential impact of testing on patient outcomes (clinical utility).  (free CME available)

Collecting family history Self-directed, 15-minute online program about asking the right questions to elicit enough information to assess family history disease risk. (free CME available)

Categorizing cancer risk Self-directed, 15-minute online program that provides opportunity to learn and practice how to analyze family histories and classify the patients' risk into average, increased (or moderate), or high risk for cancer. (free CME available)

Using family history to inform management Self-directed, 15-minute online program about determining appropriate management based on family history risk using available guidelines. (free CME available)

Identifying red flags and patterns that increase risk Self-directed, 15-minute online program about Identifying genetic red flags and patterns in a family medical history that can help determine if a condition has a significant genetic contribution. (free CME available)

Pre-test decisions & counseling Self-directed, 15-minute online program about deciding when and if genetic testing is appropriate, given the clinical and personal context. (free CME available)

Interpreting genetic testing results Self-directed, 15-minute online program about interpreting genetic testing results within a patient’s specific context. (free CME available)

Genetic testing technology Self-directed, 15-minute online program about weighing the benefits, risks, and limitations of different tests within specific patient contexts. (free CME available)