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The Breast & Ovarian Cancer Genetics & Risk Assessment Program

At the Massachussetts General Hospital and elsewhere genetic testing is normally obtained through a Genetics & Risk Assessment Program. As part of these programs, risk data is collected and a complete risk assessment and a counseling session is undertaken.

It is important to note that the majority of individuals who inquire about genetic testing are found to not need the test. Of those who are candidates for testing, many choose not to undergo testing at this time until other issues such as insurability are settled. The primary mission of a Breast & Ovarian Cancer Genetics & Risk Assessment Program is to disseminate information about genetic and other risk factors for breast and ovarian cancer. For the few who do choose to have genetic testing. The Breast & Ovarian Cancer Genetics & Risk Assessment Program is a resource for information and can facilitate the testing process.

Candidates for The Breast & Ovarian Cancer Genetics & Risk Assessment Program include:


      Women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer
      Women concerned that they might be at increased risk for breast cancer
      Women concerned about hormone replacement and the risk of breast cancer
      Women with biopsy-proven atypical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ
      Women who are at increased risk for breast cancer have special needs, and The Breast & Ovarian Cancer Genetics & Risk Assessment Program offers information, counseling and monitoring services for this group. Issues addressed may include:

        Impact of family history
        Causes of cancer
        Use of estrogen and birth control pills
        Genetic testing
        Mammography
        Breast self-examination

For more information or to schedule an appointment,
please call 617-724-1971.

Kevin S. Hughes, M.D. is a member of the Department of Surgical Oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital where he is the Surgical Director of the Breast Screening Program and Clinical Co-Director of the Breast and Ovarian Cancer Genetics and Risk Assessment Program. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Medical School, and trained at Mercy Hospital of Pittsburgh for general surgery. He did a fellowship in surgical oncology at the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Hughes is an Instructor in Surgery at Harvard Medical School and was formerly on the faculty of Tufts University, the University of California, Davis and Brown University. Dr. Hughes has served on numerous national and regional committees and is actively involved in research regarding the genetics, screening, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. He is the author of numerous papers and book chapters on the subjects of breast cancer, screening, diagnosis and treatment, and risk assessment. Paula D. Ryan, M.D., Ph.D. is a member of the Hematology/Oncology Division of the Department of Medicine and Medical Co-Director of the Breast and Ovarian Cancer Genetics and Risk Assessment Program at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Ryan earned her M.D. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Rochester School of Medicine. She completed her medicine residency at Duke University Medical Center, followed by a year as Chief Medical Resident. She then completed a research fellowship in Medical Oncology at Duke. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology. As a member of the Gillette Center for Women's Cancers multidisciplinary team, she cares for patients with breast malignancies. She is also actively involved in the care of patients at high risk for breast cancer. Dr. Ryan's research interests include breast cancer genetics, and the imaging and treatment of breast cancer

Constance A. Roche, M.S.N., is a nurse practitioner at Massachusetts General where she works in the Gillette Center for Women's Cancers and the Breast and Ovarian Cancer Genetics and Risk Assessment Program. She received her B.S.N. from Northeastern University, and her Masters Degree as an Adult Nurse Practitioner from Simmons College. Her responsibilities include the evaluation and clinical management of women with breast cancer or benign breast problems. In addition, she has expertise in assessing women for breast and ovarian cancer risk providing counseling and education about cancer risk, cancer genetics, screening and risk reduction strategies. She has published and speaks locally and nationally on the subjects of evaluation of breast problems, breast cancer risk, cancer genetics, and the development of a cancer risk assessment program.

Nancy E. Siegel Administrative Associate of the Massachussetts General Hospital Breast & Ovarian Cancer Genetics & Risk Assessment Program seeks to respond to patient concerns and to relieve any anxieties they may have concerning this appointment. After the consultation at the Clinic, Nancy follows up to assure that a written summary of the Clinic's assessment is received by the patient and others. She forwards these findings - including recommendations for screening and follow-up - to the patient's primary care provider as well as to the patient.

Deborah Bevens Administrative Associate of the Massachussetts General Hospital Breast & Ovarian Cancer Genetics & Risk Assessment Program, coordinates the contact of each patient with the Clinic. When she speaks with each person to confirm their appointment, she seeks to respond to their concerns and to relieve any anxieties they may have concerning this appointment. After the consultation at the Clinic, Deb follows up to assure that a written summary of the Clinic's assessment is received by the patient and others. She forwards these findings - including recommendations for screening and follow-up - to the patient's primary care provider as well as to the patient.

Kristin Baker Niendorf, MS, CGC, Genetic Counselor in the Breast and Ovarian Cancer Genetics and Risk Assessment Program, received her Bachelor's degree in Genetics and Master's degree in Medical Genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is certified in Genetics from the American Board of Genetic Counseling and has clinical experience providing risk assessments based on family history and counseling patients through genetic risk and testing concerns. Kristin is involved in research studies of several different familial cancers and has published on the topic of familial cancer. Kristin is actively involved in multiple professional organizations that are involved in promoting provision of genetic services.

Kristen Manhoney Shannon, MS, CGC, Genetic Counselor in the Breast and Ovarian Cancer Genetics and Risk Assessment Program, received her Bachelor's degree in Biology from the College of the Holy Cross and a Master's degree in Human Genetics from Sarah Lawrence College. She is certified in Genetics from the American Board of Genetic Counseling and has vast clinical experience providing hereditary cancer risk assessments and counseling patients through genetic risk and testing concerns. Kristen is involved in research studies and has many publications on the topic of familial cancer. She is actively involved in multiple professional organizations that promote the access to and provision of genetic services.

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For more information or to schedule an appointment,
please call 617-724-1971 or
e-mail questions and/or comments.

For other Breast & Ovarian Cancer Genetics & Risk Assessment Programs nationwide.


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