Women's Cancer Prevention Programs

Women with increased risk of breast, ovarian and other cancers can find support, guidance and sound medical care from a team of nationally-recognized prevention experts at the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center.

By helping you understand your risk of cancer, or a recurrence of cancer, we can work with you to create individualized cancer prevention strategies. These can include screening tests, surgical interventions, medications and simple steps such as lifestyle changes.

Because the UConn Health Center is a university hospital, we can draw upon many resources and research strengths to help you develop a lifelong cancer prevention plan.

Our Services

Medical Management
Women over age 55 who have had previous breast biopsies or younger women who have had previous breast biopsies, as well as relatives with breast cancer, may benefit from two FDA-approved medications to lower their breast cancer risk. Richard Everson, M.D., a medical oncologist and director of prevention programs at the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center, specializes in the ongoing management of these medications: tamoxifen and ralxoifene (also known as Evista.)

High Risk and Hereditary Cancers
While most cancers are not hereditary, about 10-percent of breast cancer, and other cancers, can be linked to genetic or familial patterns. The new Cancer Prevention Program for Women offers complete care for women who have questions about their family history of breast cancer or other cancers.

Services include a very strong genetic counseling and testing program, offered by experienced genetic counselors. Working with the genetic specialists is Molly Brewer, M.D., the director of gynecologic oncology, who helps women make decisions about how to lower their cancer risk, including risk-reducing surgery.

The program also includes experts in cancer prevention, screening, and treatment, as well as opportunities to participate in today’s most promising clinical trials.

Consider this
Certain patterns of cancer, such as breast and ovarian cancer on the same side of the family, may mean an individual has a higher chance to develop either type of cancer in their lifetime.
Individualized cancer prevention strategies can be important for women who have any personal or family history including:

• Breast cancer under age 50, either in the
  mother’s or father’s side of the family
• Breast and ovarian cancer in the same
  individual or same side of the family
• Male breast cancer on the mother’s or
  father’s side of the family
• Any of the above in individuals of
  Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
• Two or more individuals on the same side
  of the family with endometrial cancer or
  colon cancer under age 50
• Clusters of cancers in individuals including
  pancreatic, stomach or brain cancer

Talking to your health care provider can help you prepare a strategy that works for your unique history.

At the Women’s Cancer Prevention Program, you will receive care from experts with the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center, such as our:

• Gynecologic oncologists
• Breast surgeon
• Medical oncologists
• Genetic counselors
• Nutritionist
• Psychiatrists
• Social worker
• Psychologists
• Surgical oncologist

All About You
All care at the Women’s Cancer Prevention Program is highly personalized and begins with a thorough risk assessment, based on your unique individual and family medical history. Based on your profile, recommendations will be made for prevention options. You and your health care provider will receive a detailed report to ensure coordination of care.

Elements of your care may also include:

• Clinical breast and/or pelvic exam
• Genetic counseling
• Nutritional counseling
• Psychological counseling
• Genetic testing
• Clinical research opportunities