Family History Assessment & Counselling
These days cancer is very common. More and more ladies have a history of breast cancer and are not sure if it is significant and if it is, what can be done to reduce their risk. Angelina Jolie has raised awareness about family history and breast and ovarian cancer. There are two steps to the process.
First we assess your family history. Many patients are not as high risk as they think. And just this simple step can help reassure many patients. It can be a complicated process and the closeness of the relationship to a family member with breast cancer, the age at diagnosis and the number of relatives all must be taken into account.
The next step is to formulate an action plan. This may include referral to a genetics clinic, screening/ surveillance plan, non-surgical risk reduction measures and surgical intervention. Every patient is different. When we have finished you will understand your actual risk and have a plan. This is meant to empower you by taking responsibility for your own health and planning accordingly.
If surgery is being considered, I will ensure that you have ample time to look at all the different possibilities. This will include written information , looking at photos, and talking to patients who have had the surgery. I encourage patients to take as much time as necessary to make the right decision for them.
