New Familial Breast Cancer Clinic NOW OPEN
A new Familial Breast Cancer Clinic at the Princess Alexandra Hospital will help women with a strong family history of breast cancer better monitor and manage their risk. Located within the hospital, this clinic provides a ‘one-stop-shop’ for women who do not have breast cancer but who are at increased risk of developing breast cancer, referred by their GP or specialist, with no out-of-pocket costs for attendance.
“A strong family history of breast cancer is known to significantly increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer during their lifetime. We also know that women with a mutation involving the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have approximately a 70% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer,“ says Professor Ian Bennett, Chairman, Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.
“Being at high risk of breast cancer can cause patients considerable anxiety. With management options ranging from enhanced breast screening to prophylactic mastectomy with reconstruction, it can be tricky to navigate through these options and work out which is best for each individual,” adds Prof Ian Bennett.
“Our Clinic provides specialist surgical and genetic counselling for women at high risk of familial breast cancer and offers a range of options involving a comprehensive breast screening program which includes breast Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), as well as risk-reducing prophylactic surgery,” says Prof Ian Bennett.
“The clinic can offer women the full range of imaging modalities including mammogram, ultrasound, MRI and MRS (Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy) to monitor for early changes to breast tissue that might be present before a tumour becomes clinically apparent,” explains Dr Jeremy Khoo, a Breast Cancer Research and Clinical Fellow at the clinic.
“Taking into account each patient’s history, health status and other individual factors, the Clinic also provides tailored individual management recommendations including surgical or medical options as required,” adds Dr Khoo.
The Familial Breast Cancer Clinic is a joint venture between the PA Hospital and Translational Research Institute Australia. As part of the newly formed Metro South Breast Cancer Institute, the Clinic is located in the Research Wing of the PA Hospital main building on level 4.
These specialised services are available to well women aged 30-65 years who are considered to be at high risk of developing familial breast cancer or who have been proven to have a genetic mutation predisposing to familial breast cancer.
For more information about the Familial Breast Cancer Clinic, visit https://metrosouth.health.qld.gov.au/referrals/familial-breast-cancer-clinic-pah-only; or contact Lauren Stone ([email protected] or call 07 3443 7548) or Melissa Gosper, McGrath Breast Care Nurse ([email protected] or call 3176 5409).
Lower image: Professor Ian Bennett, Chairman, Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery at the Princess Alexandra Hospital.
