Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1470105
Health Matters: Providence Mission Hospital | 11 MAMMOGRAPHY AND GENETIC TESTING Mammography patients can utilize the CARE program—unique to Providence Southern California hospitals—which features secure smartphone- or email-based screening for breast cancer and genetic risk. Patients scheduled for screening receive a pre- appointment questionnaire via a secure chatbot using their smartphone or email. Based on their responses, the patient's current lifetime risk of developing breast cancer will be automatically calculated using artificial intelligence, and criteria for genetic testing will be automatically determined. T he Cancer Genetics Program at Providence Mission Hospital helps patients and families with a history of cancer better understand and manage their cancer risks. Located within the Judi and Bill Leonard Institute for Cancer Prevention, Treatment and Wellness, we provide access to licensed, board- certified genetic counselors, leading-edge genetic testing, results interpretation, comprehensive risk assessment, personalized risk reduction, early detection and cancer prevention planning. "Genetic counselors are specially trained to interpret genetic test results and to modify that interpretation using the evidence presented within the family history and within wider populations," says Sandra Brown, regional manager for genetics. WHO IS GENETIC COUNSELING FOR? Information on genetic risk is evolving rapidly. You may want to consider genetic counseling if you have a personal or family history of: • Cancer diagnosis occurring at an unusual age (younger than 50) • Any personal or family history of ovarian cancer or pancreatic cancer • Any personal or family history of metastatic prostate cancer • The same type of cancer diagnosis in two or more close relatives • Associated types of cancer diagnoses within the family (combinations of cancers, including breast, ovarian, uterine, pancreas, gastric, colon and/or melanoma, may be significant) • Multiple primary cancers in one individual • Certain rare or other unusual combinations of cancers • Numerous or unusual colon polyps, particularly at younger ages • A known mutation within the family that is associated with an inherited cancer syndrome. WE OFFER: • Multiple options, including telehealth appointments and walk-in or same-day service for high-risk patients and newly diagnosed cancer patients • Coordination of care, including communication with a referring physician and follow-up on test results • Privacy, including compliance with state and federal privacy laws. Learn more about genetic counseling at Providence Mission Hospital on July 26 at 5 p.m. RSVP at providence.org/missionclasses. Sandra Brown Knowledge Is Power Genetic counseling can help you understand and lower your cancer risk.