Breast Cancer Specialist

How are breast and ovarian cancer diagnosed?

The OB/GYNs at Park Avenue Women’s Center use a few very important tools in diagnosing breast and ovarian cancer:

Annual exams

Your annual exam with your gynecologist is one of the most effective preventive tools you have. During this exam, your OB/GYN performs a breast and pelvic exam and turns to mammography and pelvic ultrasound, if warranted. Your doctor can even perform prophylactic laparoscopic gynecological surgery in certain cases.

Genetic counseling

During your exam, your OB/GYN reviews your family history of breast or ovarian cancer, in order to determine whether you should be concerned about inherited breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. In these cases, you may benefit from genetic counseling and screening. This screening checks for the presence of gene mutations in your BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes or other important genes and allows you the opportunity to take preventive measures.

To give you an idea of the importance of this screening, about 12% of women in the United States develop some form of breast cancer. If you inherit a mutation in your BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, your odds of developing breast cancer by the time you reach age 70 increase to between 45% and 85%, respectively.

The same increased risk holds true for ovarian cancer. Only 1.3% of women in the U.S. develop this cancer, but if you inherit a mutation in your BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, your chances of developing ovarian cancer by the age of 70 increase to between 39-46% and 10-27%, respectively.

Recognizing the ethnic factor

When it comes to BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, certain ethnic groups are more susceptible to inherited breast and ovarian cancer. The team at Park Avenue Women’s Center have been providing counseling and screening for genetic predisposition to gynecologic and breast cancers for many years, and have been on the forefront of screening and prevention of breast, ovarian, and uterine cancer in high-risk patients.

How are breast and ovarian cancer treated?

Your OB/GYN acts as the front line for breast and ovarian cancer prevention and provides the tools necessary for screening and early detection.

Breast and ovarian cancer are no different from all other cancers in that early intervention are key. Under the watchful eyes of the team at Park Avenue Women’s Center, you can be sure that they make every effort to stay one step ahead of cancer.

Should you receive a cancer diagnosis, your doctor refers you to the appropriate specialist and works with your oncology team during and after treatment to provide the care you need.

What treatments are provided for cancer survivors?

If you've been treated for breast or ovarian cancer, it's important that you have a team to help with post-cancer care and long-term survival. At Park Avenue Women's Center, this includes close surveillance, as well as providing treatment that addresses quality of life and well-being.

If it's time for your yearly exam, or you'd like to be screened for breast and ovarian cancer, call the office or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment.