MERIDEN - Jan Levitt is a registered nurse at MidState Medical Center who knows first-hand the importance of risk assessment for breast cancer.

The 56-year-old Levitt's mother and three aunts had breast cancer, and two died from the disease. In 2005, a genetic study performed at Yale-New Haven Hospital showed she had one of the two genetic mutations that greatly increase the risk of breast cancer, called BRCA1.

She decided that for her it was a threat of when and not if, and she did not want to wait around for the cancer to strike. "I didn't want to go through what all my relatives went through," said Levitt, a Westbrook resident.

"For me, I just felt it was a matter of time."

In 2006, she underwent, at MidState, a hysterectomy, and this year a double mastectomy, which she said reduced her risk of breast cancer by 95 percent.

Mid State's cancer care is now set to offer patients a comprehensive risk-assessment program that will help screen for the genetic and other risks for a disease that, following lung cancer, is the leading cancer killer among American women. Levitt has little doubt about its significance.

"It's going to save lives," she said.

MidState's program, set to begin in January, takes advantage of computer software called Hughes Risk Apps, developed at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Newton Wellesley Hospital. While the software is designed for hereditary breast, ovarian and colorectal cancers, plans are to extend the approach to other diseases as well.

"We're going to be able to identify a lot of people we otherwise wouldn't be able to identify at high risk," said Kathy Clements, Mid State's cancer care coordinator.

Breast cancer risk factors that can't be changed include the genetic mutations and age. Other risks that women can do something about include being overweight, alcohol consumption and having a first child after age 35.

Generally, routine self exams and annual mammography are recommended screenings.

MidState's new program will not only be able to identify those at high risk, but also keep a database of information about mammography results and other risk-related information, which should help patients and physicians in determining the best possible treatment.

It identifies high risk not only at a point in time "but in a continuum of care, which we haven't had at this point," said Dr. Rajani P. Nadkarni, medical director of the breast cancer risk assessment program.

Such an approach, which gathers information about family history and other potential risk factors, could help determine whether a patient should consider being tested for the genetic mutations or take medication designed to reduce risk. The drugs Tamoxifen and Raloxifene work to keep estrogen from promoting the growth of breast cancer cells.

Nadkarni called the program "absolutely important" in keeping Mid State poised for further developments in the treatment and prevention of the disease.

"Anything you can do to prevent cancer is extremely important," she said.

Hughes Risk Apps is opensource software, but there are obviously costs associated with administering the new program.

Mid State holds its second annual Pink Partini Fashion Show Tuesday to support cancer care.

The event runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington.

Following a successful inaugural, this year's fashion show is already a sold-out event, with more than 800 guests, 74 models and 30 volunteers set to attend.

About $26,000 has been raised so far in sponsorships, said Gail Millerick, Mid State's director of development.

"It's really incredible," she said, of the support for breast cancer awareness and the cancer center. When it comes to cancer, "there aren't too many people it hasn't touched in some way," she said.

Participating "is a lot of fun," said Nadkarni, who will be one of the models.

"It allows our patients to see us in a different light and it makes cancer care a lot more tangible, that you're with them in every aspect of their lives," she said.

More information about the risk-assessment program is available by calling (203) 6948463 or by visiting www.midstatemedical. org.