Genetic Risk Assessment
Certain gene mutations can increase your risk for developing cancers, including breast cancer. These mutations are passed down from parent to child.
The BRCA mutation increases your risk of breast cancer significantly. Some experts believe those with this mutation have an 85 percent chance of developing breast cancer.
We understand that it can be very challenging and overwhelming to think or talk about your own risk for breast cancer. It can be especially difficult for those who have supported a loved one throughout a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.
The Weill Cornell Medicine Breast Center provides compassionate and supportive care as you understand your personal risk for breast cancer. We help our patients take charge of their breast health and make decisions with confidence about reducing their risk and preventing the disease.
Why Choose Weill Cornell Medicine for Breast Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment?
Supportive counseling on your terms: Our team helps patients assess and understand their genetic risks for cancer. It is your decision to elect genetic testing and counseling. The Breast Center physicians will help you understand your options and the information provided so that you can make informed decisions about your care and well-being.
Multidisciplinary care from leading experts: When you choose Weill Cornell Medicine, you have access to a network of doctors and specialists. Your genetic counselor will collaborate with your care team to determine the best options for preventing or treating breast cancer so that you can achieve the best possible quality of life.
Weill Cornell Medicine partners with NewYork-Presbyterian, one of the top hospital systems in New York City and the U.S.
What to Expect from Breast Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment
Initial phone conversation: All calls to the Breast Center’s Genetic Risk Assessment Program are answered directly by our genetic counselor. This call is intended to help you understand more about genetic counseling, genetic risk and to answer your questions — there is no commitment to pursue counseling or testing.
All patients who are interested in learning more about potential genetic mutations, have a family history of cancer or have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer themselves are welcome to call our program.
First appointment: If you decide to pursue genetic testing, you will schedule an initial appointment. During this session, you will discuss your family history of cancer, detailing who in your family has had cancer, what type of cancer and the age at the time of the diagnosis. This information helps our breast health specialists detect patterns of cancer in the family.
You will also learn more about BRCA genes, what it means to carry the BRCA mutation, the risks associated with this mutation, the options for managing your risks and the implications for other family members if a mutation is present.
BRCA mutation testing: Based on your preference, the test for the BRCA mutation can be performed with either a blood or saliva (spit) sample. The results will be available within two weeks.
If you test negative for the BRCA mutation, but have a higher risk for developing cancer due to other factors, you may discuss and consider screening for other genes related to breast cancer and other cancers.
Genetic counseling: If you test positive for the BRCA mutation, you will be scheduled to meet with our genetic counselor. During this appointment, you will have the opportunity to ask questions, learn more about what it means to test positive for this mutation and your options for lowering your risk of developing breast cancer. This may include increased screenings or preventative surgical procedures.
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer and test positive for a BRCA mutation, you will discuss all treatment options and connect with our multidisciplinary specialists to determine a targeted plan.
Make an Appointment
If you would like to discuss your breast health, are interested in learning more about your risk for breast cancer or have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, we encourage you to make an appointment.
Whether you visit us virtually through a video visit or you see us in person, you can be assured that we will deliver the highest standards of care with compassion. Our team has taken every step to keep our facilities safe for you to continue your care. Learn more about our safety measures and the changes we’ve made to enhance your patient experience.
Meet Our Geneticists
The physicians at the Weill Cornell Medicine Breast Center offer patients the highest level of safety and care. As a top-ranked academic medical center, you have access to our extensive network of specialists who provide seamless care throughout your treatment — to promote lifelong physical and mental health.
