The consultation team will initially telephone you, asking that you gather information about your family. You will then need to obtain medical records and, when appropriate, pathology slides of family members affected by breast cancer or ovarian cancer. This information is valuable in determining individual risk. The consultation team will mail you literature to assist you in obtaining information and documenting what you learn. The staff will assist you in this process as much as possible.
Testing is now available through the risk consultation service.
The goal of the consultation service is to provide a personal plan of surveillance for breast cancer to each woman we serve. Options for prevention, although limited at present, will be discussed when appropriate. Counselors will also discuss the latest news about breast cancer risk with you. The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is uniquely suited to offer the Family Cancer Risk Service. The combination of a nurse practitioner and a genetic counselor who have special training in breast cancer risk assessment provides a valuable blending of two unique disciplines to provide this service.