high-risk breast program |
The High Risk Breast Program has been an integral part of the Breast Care Center at Allegheny General Hospital for three years. The Center schedules appointments weekly and women who are determined to be at risk for developing breast cancer are seen at the Breast Care Center which is located on the fourth floor on the Allegheny Cancer Center.
Referrals to the High Risk Clinic come from mammography technicians in the breast center, OB/Gyn offices within the West Penn Allegheny Health System, the Protocol Office, and the genetic counselor for the system. Some women who think they may be at high risk for beast cancer are self-referred. All referred patients are contacted by the High Risk Coordinator who performs a Gail Model assessment to determine the patient’s actual risk and, if appropriate, schedules an appointment.
To ensure continuity of care during their visit at the High Risk Clinic, patients are seen by the High Risk Nurse Coordinator who also spoke with the patient when their appointment was scheduled. Adequate time is spent with patients to educate about self breast examinations, screenings, and guidelines, ensure all questions are addressed and answered thoroughly, and receive a breast examination including a mammogram when warranted.
Doctor Wickerham, a specialist in breast care, breast cancer, and cancer genetics meets with patients in the High Risk Clinic. If patients are found to be eligible to participate in clinical trials being conducted at the time of their visit, they are seen by a study coordinator from the Protocol Office who will discuss opportunities for study participation with them. A genetic counselor reviews every patient’s family history of breast cancer.
The patients are then provided with their high risk assessment where a discussion regarding the patient’s eligibility for further genetic testing and counseling takes place. Finally, patients receive a personalized folder of information to take with them at the completion of their appointment.
Please contact - 412-359-5729
Marianne Jeffries, BSN, RN
High Risk Nurse Coordinator
