Randi Michel
Pilot Study to Identify Women at High Risk for Hereditary Breast Cancer in a Community Mammography Clinic Population

SchoolHawken High School

ProgramScience

MentorJill Polk

DepartmentHillcrest Hospital Cancer Center

Research: Pilot Study to Identify Women at High Risk for Hereditary Breast Cancer in a Community Mammography Clinic Population

Hypothesis: Data from previous studies indicate that about 10% of women will likely be at high risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome. The mammography population should be the appropriate location for HBOC risk screening.

Methodology: The Pedigree Assessment Tool (PAT) was distributed in a community mammography clinic population to ascertain the percentage of patients who are at high risk for HBOC and thus appropriate for genetic counseling and genetic risk assessment. Risk was determined using the validated PAT point scoring system. Postmenopausal breast cancer was allocated three points; early-onset breast cancer, four points; ovarian cancer, five points; male breast cancer, eight points; and Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, four points.

Outcomes: Using the validated PAT scoring system, 12.3% of total mammography patients were found to be at a high HBOC risk, 11.9% were at moderately increased risk, 28.5% were at low risk and 47.4% had no family history of breast or ovarian cancer. The incidence of high risk patients is slightly higher than predicted. This supports that implementing a risk screening and genetic counseling referral system with PAT in the mammography population would be sensible and effective.