A diagnosis of breast cancer can be an overwhelming experience. At the at the Auerbach Breast Center, we offer a compassionate, patient-centered breast cancer treatment.

Patients come to us from throughout Greater Boston thanks in part to the reputation of our breast cancer specialists and surgeons. Every new patient meets with members of our multi-disciplinary team – breast cancer surgeons, breast oncologists, breast radiation oncologists and nurses – to discuss treatment options. We create an individualized breast cancer treatment program for each patient. When possible, we book appointments with the multi-disciplinary team members on the same day. The team works together to design the best treatment plan for the patient.

Treatment options include breast surgery and often radiation therapy. Our patients also have access to outstanding plastic surgeons if they wish to pursue breast reconstruction surgery. Regardless of the patient’s needs, we have the expertise. Our team is comprised of physicians with years of training, specialty credentials and experience in breast care. Our surgeons are highly skilled in the latest breast surgery techniques. Our oncologists offer the most advanced treatments that may be required before or after surgery. Patients also have access to emerging therapies through participation in national cancer trials.

Breast Cancer Screenings & Risk Assessments

The Auerbach Breast Center can also coordinate breast cancer screenings, including mammograms and breast MRIs, and breast cancer risk assessments to provide a seamless experience from start to finish. For breast cancer screenings, the Women’s Imaging Center offers mammograms and breast MRIs at three convenient locations. When screenings reveal breast abnormalities, breast diagnostics are performed here at the Auerbach Breast Center.

Patients with undiagnosed breast problems are seen by a breast specialist during our Breast Diagnostic Clinic at the Auerbach Breast Center. We provide breast diagnostic and screeing services for patients from throughout Greater Boston.

If a mammogram and/or breast ultrasound is needed as part of the diagnostic work-up, these will be scheduled in the Women’s Imaging Center prior to the appointment in the Breast Diagnostic Clinic. All appointments are often made on the same day.

During your appointment, our specialist will perform a physical exam, ask questions and listen to any of your concerns. They will work with our radiologists to evaluate the results of your mammogram and/or breast ultrasound.

Newton-Wellesley Hospital offers Greater Boston communities a unique and comprehensive approach to identify and inform women who might not be aware of their risk for breast and/or ovarian cancer.

Thousands of women receive annual screening mammograms at Newton-Wellesley’s Women’s Imaging Center. Due to family history, several hundred are likely to be at a higher than average risk for developing breast and/or ovarian cancer.

Newton-Wellesley has pioneered the use of specially designed computer software that can analyze family health history to identify potentially high cancer risk. Breast Center and Women’s Imaging Center patients who may be at increased risk for breast and ovarian cancer are informed and offered a consultation to discuss next step options.

This risk assessment service is designed to help patients at Newton-Wellesley Hospital take control of their health and well being in a proactive way.

• • Download Family Health History Form (pdf)
  • See also risk assessment FAQs below

Your risk for breast cancer

Consider risk assessment counseling for breast cancer risk if: you have had breast cancer before you reached menopause, you have had ovarian cancer at any age, you have a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) with pre-menopausal breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer at any age, or if you have two or more second-degree relatives (grandmothers, aunts) with pre-menopausal breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer at any age.

Breast and ovarian cancer rates

Breast cancer is the second most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths for American women. Every year, more than 200,000 women in the U.S. learn that they have breast cancer. While uncommon, men can also develop breast cancer.

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women. It is considered the deadliest of gynecological cancers because it presents few and subtle symptoms and, consequently, is most often diagnosed in its late stages. Currently, 50 percent of women diagnosed with ovarian cancer die within five years.

Family history and your health

A family history of breast or ovarian cancer has been identified as one of the major risk factors for developing these diseases. About 10 percent of breast and ovarian cancer cases are hereditary (passed along genetically from one generation to the next).

Abnormalities in either of the two known breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility genes have also been shown to increase the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer. A blood test is used to determine if an individual has an alteration on one of those genes.

Creating a family health history record

Information about your family’s health history can help you make decisions about ways to prevent certain conditions or, in the case of cancer, begin screening tests for the purpose of early detection. In the case of most cancers, early detection increases the likelihood of more effective treatment and survival.

The following suggestions can help you create a record of your family’s health history:

• Talk directly with your relatives for the most accurate health history information. Explain to them that their health information can help improve prevention and screening of diseases for all family members.
• Ask your relatives about any health conditions they have had, including a history of chronic illnesses (such as heart disease), pregnancy complications (such as miscarriage), any developmental disabilities and cancers. Note the age of cancer diagnosis. Cancers diagnosed at a younger age have a higher risk of being hereditary. Get as much specific information as possible.
• It is most useful if you can list the formal name of any medical condition that has affected you or your relatives. When complete, show your family health history information to your primary care physician.
• If you are planning to have children, you and your partner should each create a family health history and show it to your physician

Download Family Health History Form (pdf)

If you have questions about Newton-Wellesley’s Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Program, please call The Auerbach Breast Center at 617-243-5540.

What do I need to bring with me to my appointment? 

You should bring your insurance card, a current list of medications and your completed family history form. Download Family Health History Form

Do I need a referral for this visit?

No. This is an educational visit with a nurse that is billed to your insurance company without the need for a referral.

Will my insurance company pay for this visit? 

Every insurance plan is different. You should call your insurance company and ask if it is covered. The billing code for your visit will be 99214 with a diagnosis code of v16.3 (family history of breast cancer). If your insurance company declines the bill, the cost of the visit is $263.00.  In general, Medicare does not cover this type of visit. If you have Medicare, please let us know and we can discuss alternatives for you and your family.

What should I expect during my risk assessment visit?

The risk assessment visit is a one-on-one meeting with a nurse practitioner who is specially trained to assess your risk for breast cancer. The hour-long appointment will begin with a thorough review of your family history and your personal risk factors for breast cancer. She will discuss recommendations for breast cancer screening and risk reducing strategies. If genetic testing is appropriate, the nurse practitioner will review all the benefits, risks, limitations, and implications of genetic testing prior to offering the test.

Can I have genetic testing at the time of my risk assessment visit?

Yes. If appropriate, genetic testing can be done at the time of your risk assessment visit.

Can I have genetic testing without having a risk assessment visit?

No. You must meet with the nurse practitioner before having your genetic test. Genetic testing is not like a regular blood test; it has serious implications not only for your own health, but the health of your family members as well.

Will my insurance pay for genetic testing?

We will help you determine your benefits for genetic testing prior to starting your test.  We can submit your test, but delay starting it until your benefits are confirmed. You can still have your test on the day of your visit and we will determine your benefits without delaying your test.  Most insurance companies require that you meet certain criteria before they agree to pay for the test. You may want to call your insurance company prior to your visit to check your coverage for the test.

Will I face health insurance discrimination if I am found to have a genetic mutation?

It is highly unlikely that you will face health insurance discrimination based on your genetic status.  There are both federal and state laws that protect you from discrimination.

Should I make an appointment if I have already had breast cancer?

Yes. It is possible that you had a hereditary form of breast cancer and, therefore, you could be at increased risk for getting a second breast cancer or other cancers such as ovarian cancer.  If your breast cancer was hereditary, then other family members may be at increased risk too.  By understanding your risk, you can possibly help your family members better understand their risk.  If you have not been evaluated for hereditary breast cancer, or your evaluation was more than five years ago, you should consider having an evaluation.

Should I discuss this with my oncologist?

Yes, you should discuss the value of risk assessment and genetic testing with your oncologist if you have one. A consultation note regarding your risk assessment visit will be sent to your oncologist after your appointment.

Breast Conserving Surgery

Newton-Wellesley Hospital prides itself on its high rates of breast conserving surgery. Our patients have breast conserving surgery 87.1% of the time. This is higher than the state of Massachusetts’ breast conserving surgery rate of 82% and all Commission on Cancer (CoC) programs’ average rate of 63% (Cancer Quality Improvement Program (CQIP) 2014 Annual Report).

According to a 2015 Journal of the American College of Surgeons study, most women with early-stage breast cancer are now avoiding extensive lymph node removal. It also points out that more surgeons are following scientic evidence that says radical operations may no longer be necessary for these patients.