The best way to minimize your risk of cancer is to know your risk.
The High-Risk Cancer Prevention and Wellness Clinic at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center provides cancer risk assessments, screenings, and genetic testing.
Providers help you to identify your risk, whether it is due to genetics or other factors. According to the National Cancer Institute, 5 to 10% of all cancers are caused by inherited genetic factors. If you are identified as high risk, our multi-disciplinary care team will work with you to create a plan to reduce your risk of cancer and ensure early detection.
Knowing your personal risk level for cancer helps you make better decisions.
While discovering an increased risk for cancer isn't news anyone wants to receive, it can make a life-changing difference, and we are here to guide you on a journey of empowerment, resilience, and wellbeing.
Learn more about our cancer risk evaluation and reduction services:
- Breast CARE Clinic
- Breast Surgical High-Risk Clinic
- CHIP - Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential (blood cancers)
- Genetic Predisposition Clinic
- Gastrointestinal Cancer High-Risk Clinic
- Genitourinary Oncology High Risk and Prevention Clinic
- Gynecologic Oncology High Risk and Prevention Clinic
- Lung Cancer Screening
- Rare Genetic Syndrome Clinic
- Skin Cancer High Risk Clinic
- Lifestyle Medicine
Personalized care for people at high-risk for cancer
Based on your needs, your care team will consist of:
- Advanced practice providers
- Genetics professionals
- Gastrointestinal specialists
- Genitourinary specialists
- Gynecologic specialists
- Dermatology specialists
- Radiologists
- Fertility preservation specialists
- Nurse navigators
- Lifestyle medicine specialists
Together, we will develop a personalized plan for additional testing, screening, or lifestyle modifications to reduce your risk. We will coordinate genetic testing and high-risk cancer surveillance for you and identify and at-risk family members. You will also have access to clinical trials designed to create new methods of preventing cancer.
Before your first appointment, an experienced, dedicated nurse navigator makes sure all your information are received, coordinates appointments, and answers your questions. After your appointment, the nurse navigator will help with any follow-up appointments and screenings you may need. As part of the comprehensive program, all patients who are at high risk for cancer are referred to a health coach. The Health Coach provides lifestyle modification advice, such as diet and nutrition, tobacco cessation, weight management and exercise physiology, that can help reduce your risk of developing cancer.
We do all of this to help you make informed choices about your health.
Who should make an appointment?
Everyone. Knowing your risk level will empower you to make lifestyle decisions that keep you and your family healthy for the long haul.
What should you expect if determined to be at high-risk?
- A personalized approach to managing your health to reduce your cancer risk.
- Receive comprehensive care, including cancer risk assessments, screenings, and genetic testing.
- A multi-disciplinary team of specialists will work with you to develop a tailored plan that may involve additional testing, lifestyle changes, and genetic counseling.
- You will also have access to clinical trials, and a dedicated nurse navigator will assist with coordinating your care, ensuring all necessary records and follow-ups are in place.
- A Health Coach will provide guidance on lifestyle modifications such as diet, exercise, and tobacco cessation, empowering you to take control of your health.
Your Sylvester team specializes in:
Genetic testing and counseling
Genetic testing can tell you whether you've inherited a genetic change (mutation) to your genes, which significantly increases your risk of developing cancer. Our genetic providers can educate you about genetic testing and help you decide whether testing is right for you. They can also talk to you about your results and your options.
Exercise physiology
According to the American Cancer Society, exercise can help lower your risk of many types of cancer– up to 13 different types. Regular exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight, regulate hormone levels, boost your immune system, reduce swelling, and more. Our exercise experts can design an exercise program to help you get moving.
Acupuncture
If you feel anxious or worried about your elevated cancer risk, acupuncture may let you feel more at ease. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine approach that applies extremely thin needles to various points (acupoints) in the body. It's been shown to enhance mental and physical well-being, including improving sleep and relieving stress and anxiety.
Nutrition counseling
A nutritious diet can help you reduce your cancer risk. Some foods, such as processed foods and red meats, can raise your cancer risk, while other foods, like whole grains, vegetables, and high-fiber foods, can enhance your health. Our registered dietitians offer personalized guidance to eat better, control your weight, and lower your cancer risk.
Risk-reduction surgery referrals
If you're at high risk of developing cancer, preventive surgery may be recommended. Surgery is a difficult decision; we're here to help you understand all the risks and benefits. We make sure you know all your preventive options so that you can make an informed choice.
Why Choose Us?
Our multi-specialty team provides:
- A truly patient-centered approach, ensuring you and your loved ones receive the medical care and emotional support you need.
- Your team includes all of your physicians, nurses, genetic counselors, and support professionals who work closely with your primary care provider to optimize your care.
- An opportunity to participate in support groups/educational programs.
- Communication with your referring physician, including a detailed cancer risk management plan developed specifically for you.