Clinics & Centres

Familial Breast and Ovarian Cancer Clinic

Breast cancer is a common disease that affects one in nine women during their lifetimes. In contrast, ovarian cancer is less common and affects about one in 70 women during their lifetimes. The majority of both breast and ovarian cancer cases are not hereditary. However, five to 10 per cent of individuals diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer are found to have a hereditary predisposition. Knowing that a hereditary predisposition exists in a family allows those who have not had cancer to learn what their personal chances are of developing breast and ovarian cancer so that they can plan their health care accordingly. For example, someone who has a hereditary predisposition may decide to take action to lower their chances of getting breast and ovarian cancer. Clues in a person's family history may suggest they are at an increased risk of developing breast, ovarian or other related cancers.

These clues include the following and can be on either the mother's or the father's side of a person's family:

• Two or more closely related family members (mother, children, sisters, aunts, grandmother) on the same side of the family with ovarian or breast cancer.
• A close relative with invasive serous ovarian cancer.
• One person who has both ovarian and breast cancer or cancer in both breasts.
• A history of ovarian or breast cancer and Jewish ancestry
• A male relative with breast cancer.
• A close relative with breast cancer under age 35.

People with family histories described above can be seen in the Familial Breast and Ovarian Cancer Clinic (FBOCC) at Princess Margaret Hospital. The clinic provides services for both hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, and includes a core group of genetic counsellors, oncologists, and other health professionals including social workers and psychologists. This multidisciplinary team works to serve the needs of patients and their families.

FBOCC services include family history assessment, genetic counselling, genetic testing, ovarian and breast cancer risk management, ovarian cancer screening, emotional support and counselling, information about ongoing research studies, and referrals to other specialists if appropriate. If you have concerns about the history of breast or ovarian cancer in your family or in a patient's family, call the clinic at 416 946-2270 or fax 416 946-6528.

For further information, please visit our FAQ page.

Contact Us
Familial Breast and Ovarian Cancer Clinic
Princess Margaret Hospital
610 University Avenue, M-704
Toronto, Ontario M5G 2M9 Tel.
(416) 946-2270 Fax. (416) 946-6528

Directions

[Back to Top]