ACTIVE PROJECTS

Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment Program

Mutations in certain genes – known as BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 – make Bermudian women from particular families more susceptible to developing breast and ovarian cancer than the island’s female population at large. To decrease the morbidity and mortality from breast and ovarian cancers, Partners launched the Bermuda Cancer Genetic Risk Assessment Program in 2006 in collaboration with the Health Insurance Association of Bermuda and the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre. As the island’s first program for cancer genetic testing, the initiative identifies, educates and supports women who may be at high risk. Once it has been determined that a patient is at high risk, Dr. Kevin Hughes, a leading breast specialist from the Massachusetts General Hospital, develops a plan of care in collaboration with the patient’s local doctor. Genetic testing, earlier mammography, and more frequent clinical exams are all considered, depending upon the patient’s needs.

"Our program is primarily a patient education and evaluation service,” explained Dr. Hughes. “When we determine that a patient is at high risk, we will develop a plan of care in collaboration with her local doctor. Genetic testing, earlier mammography, and more frequent clinical exams will all be considered, depending upon the needs of the patient. Our goal is to identify patients at high risk, and to then take measures to either prevent cancer, or find it at an earlier, more treatable stage."

The program is under the medical direction of Dr. Kevin Hughes from the Massachusetts General Hospital and is open to all women in Bermuda who may be at risk for breast and ovarian cancer. It is offered in collaboration with the Health Insurance Association of Bermuda. For more information about this program, or to request an appointment, please contact Leslie Shane, Partners' local representative in Bermuda. Read the full story above in our fall, 2006 Global Health newsletter.

Executive Health Services

Partners' Executive Health Services emphasize wellness and prevention, catering to the needs of busy international executives by providing comprehensive and coordinated services that are designed to detect risk factors and early manifestation of disease.

Each client receives an annual physical examination that is specifically tailored to his or her unique needs. Physician appointments allow ample opportunity to discuss concerns and gain information on achieving and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Once test results are available, the client receives a confidential, detailed report, complete with recommendations for future care.

For more information about Executive Health Services, or to schedule an appointment, please contact Leslie Shane.

The Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre

The Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre (BCHC) was formed in 1945 to assist patients with tuberculosis. Today the organization continues to expand its role to address prevention and early detection of major health concerns such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, lung disease and other health issues that affect the community.

Partners assists the BCHC by providing informational resources for patients and families with cancer; lectures by renowned cancer specialists; support for the Association's efforts to raise public awareness, and programs to encourage early detection of cancer.

For more information or questions regarding the BCHC, please contact Leslie Shane.