Mass General Surgical Oncologist to Explain Breast-cancer Risk

NORTHAMPTON — More women are beating breast cancer these days, in part because of improved treatments and screening. When abnormal tissue or cancer is found in early stages, it may be easier to treat, according to the National Institutes of Health.

In “Understanding Breast Cancer Risk and Screening,” part of the Cooley Dickinson/Massachusetts General Hospital lecture series, Dr. Michelle Specht, surgical oncologist at the Mass General Cancer Center, will identify factors that increase the risk of breast cancer. The free lecture will be held Thursday, Sept. 24 from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Dakin Conference Room at Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

In addition, Specht will help participants understand the indications for genetic screening and recommendations for breast-cancer screening. Dr. Jennifer Hyder, radiation oncologist at the Mass General Cancer Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, will also present.

Specht is a graduate of Wesleyan University and Cornell University Medical College. She completed her surgical training at New York Hospital-Cornell University Medical Center. She spent two years during her surgical training as a research fellow. Following her residency, she completed a fellowship in breast surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Since 2004, Specht has been on staff at Massachusetts General Hospital and Newton Wellesley Hospital and on the faculty of Harvard Medical School. She earned board certification in surgery from the American Board of Surgery.

Hyder received her medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School. She completed an internship at UMass Medical School and completed residency at Drexel University College of Medicine/Hahnemann University Hospital. She is board-certified in radiation oncology.

The community lecture is free and open to all. Seating is limited, and registration is required. To register, visit cooley-dickinson.org/classes or call (888) 554-4234.