For Immediate Release
November 10, 2006 

 BUFFALO, NY – If you are a woman who has a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors that increase your breast cancer risk, you may be interested in evaluation at the newly opened Breast Cancer Risk Assessment and Prevention Program at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI).

This is the first multidisciplinary program in Western New York dedicated to women who are concerned about their risk of developing breast cancer because of their family history, reproductive history or biopsy history. For those who qualify, the program will provide an inclusive evaluation including a comprehensive risk assessment, risk reduction counseling, and access to education and clinical trials. The program will operate under the direction of Swati Kulkarni, MD, Department of Surgical Oncology, RPCI.

“Breast cancer affects more women than any other type of cancer, with the exception of skin cancer. While the exact causes are not known, we do know that certain factors can increase a woman’s risk for the disease,” said Stephen B. Edge, MD, Interim Chair, Department of Surgery, RPCI. “Early identification of risk allows a woman and her medical team to work together to create an appropriate medical plan for breast cancer risk reduction.”

The Breast Cancer Risk Assessment and Prevention Program combines the latest medical and scientific knowledge with the most advanced surveillance and diagnostic methods for women who are concerned about breast cancer under the direction of a team of breast cancer specialists.

“The program is designed for healthy women. Women who are at increased risk but do not have cancer may find it stressful to be seen in a clinic that focuses primarily on breast cancer patients and therefore choose not be evaluated,” noted Dr. Kulkarni. “This comprehensive multidisciplinary approach should make evaluation easier and more comfortable while their risk is determined by evaluating family history and using well-defined National Cancer Institute risk factors.”

Women who participate in the program will receive a clinical breast exam and recommendations/referrals if needed for the following: increased surveillance through diagnostic screening such as mammography and MRI, genetic counseling, and chemopreventive medications such as tamoxifen or raloxifene. Women also will be offered the opportunity to participate in clinical trials which will help identify measures that may reduce the impact of breast cancer for future generations of women.

 Women eligible to be evaluated by the program need to have one or more of the following risk factors for breast cancer: a strong family history, genetic mutation in one of the breast cancer genes, breast biopsies revealing abnormal cells or identification of pre-breast cancer cells called lobular carcinoma in situ.

Women interested in learning more about the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment and Prevention Program can call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724).

Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation’s first cancer research, treatment and education center and is the only National Caner Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. RPCI is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers. For more information, visit the RPCI website at www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or email askrpci@roswellpark.org.

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