The Lahey Health Cancer Institute (LHCI) provides state-of-the-art methods of diagnosing and staging women’s cancers at convenient locations north of Boston. Detecting cancer at its earliest stage offers the best long-term prognosis, so early detection is an important goal.
Screening Techniques If Cancer Is Confirmed Ovarian Cancer Risk Assessment Genetic Counseling
Screening Techniques
Our gynecologic cancer specialists offer screening for human papilloma virus (HPV) and Pap smear evaluation, including second opinions. We perform colposcopy, a diagnostic procedure to closely examine your cervix and the surrounding tissue to look for cancerous and precancerous cell changes.
We also assess women who may be at higher risk for hereditary female cancer, such as ovarian cancer, due to ovarian cysts, family history and other factors.
A genetic mutation can increase your risk for developing cancer of the uterus (endometrial cancer) or the ovary. We can screen you for this and guide you in strategies to help reduce your risk.
If Cancer Is Confirmed
If your test results show cancer, be assured that you will not be in it alone. We will pair you with a patient navigator to help guide you through treatment decisions and survivorship. We will support you, educate you, and treat you according to best practices and the highest clinical standards.
Ovarian Cancer Risk Assessment
The risk for breast and ovarian cancer is not the same for all women. Some women need more advanced screening beyond the standard recommendations. But it’s not always clear who may be at higher risk.
To meet this challenge, Lahey Health has introduced a computerized Risk Assessment Screening Tool to help physicians more accurately determine their patients’ risk for breast and ovarian cancer. The earlier cancer is found, the greater the chance of successful treatment. This new tool helps women and their doctors determine what level of screening is best for them.
With our Risk Assessment Screening Tool, you use an electronic tablet at the time of your mammography appointment at a Lahey Health imaging center to confidently answer questions about your health and family history. Your doctor then sees a summary that calculates your five-year and lifetime risk of breast and ovarian cancer, using nationally recognized risk models.
The doctor can then use this information to decide if you might benefit from a higher level of screening beyond regular checkups and mammograms.
Genetic Counseling
Lahey Health has a robust Familial Cancer and Hereditary Risk Assessment program that is staffed by certified genetics counselors for all types of cancer. If you are at higher risk because of your family history, we can provide guidance on how to manage your risk.