Baptist Cancer Institute Focuses on Cancer Prevention with High Risk Genetics Program

7/13/2020

Because preventing the occurrence of cancer is the most effective way of reducing cancer deaths, Baptist Cancer Institute is focusing efforts and resources on the prevention of all types of cancer through such methods as the newly added High Risk Genetics Program.

Baptist’s High Risk Genetics Program can determine a person’s risk of developing a broader array of cancers. This capability allows patients with hereditary risk factors for certain cancers to take important steps to maintain good health.

Those who will benefit from the High Risk Genetics Program will have a strong family history of the same or related cancer, relatives with an early cancer diagnosis and a relative with multiple cancers. People of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry with a family history of breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancer also qualify.

 Once a patient is referred to the program by their primary care provider, a genetic counselor will review the patient’s comprehensive family and medical history to determine whether genetic testing needs to be ordered. The counselor will also discuss ways to reduce the patient’s cancer risk, including screening options such as MRI or colonoscopy, nutrition and fitness programs, and types of preventative surgeries. When testing is indicated, the counselor provides education and support as the patient moves through the testing process and helps the patient understand the results.

“Baptist Cancer Institute is excited to bring a personalized approach to cancer screening and prevention to our community. Being aware of genetic predispositions to certain cancers enables Baptist Health Care to specifically tailor cancer prevention and surveillance to every patient,” said Bryan Taylor, executive director of oncology service line at Baptist. “This is valuable information in the fight against cancer, not only for the patient, but also for family members of known mutation carriers as well.”

More information is available at eBaptistHealthCare.org/Cancer.