UPMC Cancer Centers Present “A Reason to Hope: Genetic Risk Factors for Breast Cancer”

---

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 27 – Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in U.S. women, accounting for nearly one in every three cancers diagnosed. Among the factors that increase the risk of breast cancer in women are: inherited genetic mutations and having first-degree relatives with breast cancer. Progress in both early detection and treatment has resulted in more than 90 percent of breast cancers being diagnosed at localized and regional stages, causing five-year survival rates to jump to 97 percent and 79 percent respectively, according to the American Cancer Society.

To provide more information about breast cancer, UPMC Cancer Centers will sponsor, “A Reason to Hope: Genetic Risk Factors for Breast Cancer,” from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 2, at the Holiday Inn Johnstown-Downtown Cambria Room.

Christina M. Chimera, MS, genetic counselor for the UPMC Cancer Genetics Program will be the featured presenter.

The talk is one in a series of cancer lectures sponsored by UPMC Cancer Centers for patients, their families and the public.

The presentation is free and open to the public. Registration is required and space is limited. Free parking will be available. For more information and to register, please call (800) 533-UPMC (8762).

# # #

UPMC News Bureau