Breast Cancer Resources

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 Factsheet. Describes the clinical features, diagnosis, testing and genetics of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome.

Genetically Related Cancers Tool. Lists the associated cancers and unique characteristics of common cancer susceptibility genes.

Clinical Resources

Cancer Risk Assessment Tool. Helps identify red flags and stratify cancer risk based on family history.

Breast Cancer Risk and Screening Guidelines Factsheet. Summarizes screening guidelines for patients at average, increased, and high genetic risk for breast cancer.

Communicating Risk Factsheet. Outlines key points to consider when communicating risk to patients.

Pretest Counseling Key Points Factsheet. Outlines key points to address during pretest counseling.

Components of a Cancer Genetic Counseling Session Factsheet. Discusses the core components of a cancer genetic counseling session.

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

Family History Collection Tips & Tools. Provides tips, resources, and tools for family history collection in clinical practice.

Family History Questionnaire. A collection form for medical family history data that can be printed and used in clinical practice.

Pedigree Tool. A template to record a pedigree with standard pedigree nomenclature.

Genetic Testing Methods eBook. Provides information about different genetic testing methods currently used in testing for hereditary cancer syndromes (enhanced e-book available for download).

Accessing Genetic Services Tool. Lists tools and websites to help find genetics professionals and provides patient talking points about referring to genetics.

Cancer Genetic Services in Maine and Connecticut Tool. Lists available cancer genetic services in Maine and Connecticut.

Patient Resources

Hereditary Breast Cancer Patient and Family Resources. Provides patient resources for understanding genetic services and breast cancer genetics.

Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues

GINA Discussion Guide. Provides talking points and key information about genetic discrimination and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), which protects individuals from the misuse of genetic information in health insurance and employment.

Online Courses

Free, self-directed programs for continuing education credit.

Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC)

Learn how to identify, evaluate, and manage patients at increased risk of HBOC.
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Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer Risk

Practice evaluating how well a particular genetic test assesses breast cancer risk and the potential impact of testing on patient outcomes.
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Collecting Family History

Practice asking the right questions to elicit enough information to assess family history disease risk and get tools to implement your skills.
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Categorizing Cancer Risk

Analyze family histories and classify patients' risk into average, increased (moderate), or high risk for cancer.
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Using Family History to Inform Management

Practice determining appropriate management based on family history risk stratification.
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Identifying Red Flags and Patterns That Increase Risk

Practice identifying risk factors in case scenarios and receive tools to help make this task easy to implement in your practice.
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Pretest Decisions and Counseling

Practice deciding when and if genetic testing is appropriate given a patient's clinical and personal context.
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Interpreting Genetic Testing Results

Practice interpreting genetic testing results within a patient's specific context.
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Genetic Testing Technology

Practice weighing the benefits, risks, and limitations of different tests within specific patient contexts.
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