Many cancers develop from genetic mutations or hereditary traits that can exponentially increase a person’s risk of developing cancer in their lifetime. People with these biological predispositions to certain cancers can greatly reduce their chance of developing the illness with proper knowledge, precaution and planning.
Novant Health recently launched a cancer risk clinic that focuses on prevention and education to give patients peace of mind and a personalized plan to manage their risk of cancer. Patients meet with a surgeon, genetic counselor, nurse navigator and wellness specialist to assess their cancer risk and develop a plan that may include specialized screening programs, cancer prevention clinical trials or risk-reducing surgery.
Several factors identify potential patients that may benefit from the Novant Health Cancer Risk Clinic services: family history of breast, ovarian, uterine, colon or skin cancer; cancer diagnosis (individual or family) at less than 50 years of age; history of multiple colon polyps; male relative with breast cancer; family history of cancer and Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry; and positive test for mutations such as BRCA1, BRCA2, or Lynch syndrome.
“A specially trained team can help detect these complex patterns of family history, and those affected individuals can now benefit from specialized surveillance programs that might catch cancers at an earlier stage or even receive recommend treatments to help prevent them,” said Ilan Avin, MD, medical director of the Cancer Risk Clinic
To schedule an appointment with the Cancer Risk Clinic located in Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, call 704-384-5373.
Contact: Marketing & Public Relations, 704-384-4119
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