Cancer Center Programs

Cancer Risk Evaluation Program (CREP)

If you’re concerned about your risks of developing breast or ovarian cancer, the experts in our Cancer Risk Evaluation Program (CREP) can help. Our doctors and nurses--and those of the University of Pennsylvania Cancer Network--will assist you in developing a realistic opinion of your risk status. They will provide information, evaluation and genetic counseling here in Berks County to help you to develop strategies to reduce your chances of developing cancer.

Our experienced oncology professionals will:

• Determine a woman’s risk for developing breast/ovarian cancer
• Assist in developing a realistic opinion of a woman’s breast cancer risk status
• Recommend a plan for ongoing screening and risk reduction approaches
• Help women understand current breast health management issues and research studies related to breast cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment
• Explain the genetics of breast cancer and, when indicated, provide counseling and access to genetic testing
• Provide access to appropriate clinical research studies related to breast health or genetic testing consideration for women found to be at high risk

More information on CREP

Cancer-Related Checkup

A cancer-related checkup is recommended every 3 year for people aged 20-40 and every year for people aged 40 and older.  This exam should include health counseling, and depending on the person's age might include examinations for cancers of the thyroid, oral cavity, skin, lymph nodes, testes, and ovaries as well as for some non-malignant diseases.

Breast

• Breast self-exam, routine for women aged 20 and over.
• Breast clinical physical examination for women aged 20-40, every 3 years; over 40, every year.  This exam should be done close to the time of the scheduled mammogram.  Ideally the clinical breast exam should be done before the scheduled mammogram.
• Mammography for women aged 40 and over; every year.

Colon and Rectum

Beginning at age 50, both men and women should follow one of these five testing schedules:

• Yearly fecal occult blood test (FOBT)
• Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
• Yearly fecal occult blood test plus flexible sigmoidoscopy every 5 years
• Double-contrast barium enema every 5 years
• Colonoscopy every 10 years

The combination of FOBT and flexible sigmoidoscopy is preferred over either of these two tests alone.  For FOBT, the take home multiple sample method should be used.

All positive tests should be followed up with a colonoscopy.

People should begin colorectal cancer screening earlier and/or undergo screening more often if they have any of the following colorectal cancer risk factors:

• Personal history of colorectal cancer or adenomatous polyps.
• Strong family history of colorectal cancer or polyps (cancer or polyps in a first-degree relative younger than 60 or in two first-degree relatives of any age).  Note: a first degree relative is defined as a parent, sibling, or child.
• Personal history of chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
• Families with hereditary colorectal cancer syndromes (familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary non-polypois colon cancer).

Prostate

Both Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) and Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) should be offered annually beginning at age 50 years, to men who have at least a 10-year life expectancy.  Men at high risk should begin testing at age 45 years.  Information should be provided to men regarding potential risks and benefits of early detection and treatment of prostate cancer.