WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — Cancer survival rates continue to rise, according to a new report from the American Cancer Society. However, the American Cancer Association notes that while deaths are declining, the number of people being diagnosed with cancer is on the rise.
In Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast, families have a unique opportunity to undergo genetic testing that could help determine cancer risk.
The “Hereditary Cancer Prevention and Risk Program,” offered by the Tampa General Hospital Cancer Center of South Florida, is recommended for those newly diagnosed with cancer, individuals with a previous cancer history, and those with a family history of the disease.
Genetic testing results are typically available within two weeks, after which recommendations are made on an individual basis, and a prevention strategy is created.
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Catherine Marniak, Director of the Hereditary High-Risk Program & Risk Prevention, explained, “sometimes that’s as simple as somebody should have a colonoscopy every five years, instead of every 10 years. It could be that we recommend they have the colonoscopy with Cologuard testing in between.”
Marniak added that the test is covered by most insurance companies, though there may be out-of-pocket costs in some cases. For those without insurance, patient assistance programs are available.
Early detection remains the best way to improve survival chances, and genetic testing is another tool to achieve that.
To sign up for an appointment, click here.