Intermountain Health Aims to Predict and Prevent Cancer Through the High Risk Cancer Prevention Clinic

Intermountain’s High Risk Cancer Prevention Clinic to include predictive and preventive care for breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, and pancreatic cancer.

Identifying people who may carry a higher risk for cancer is the key to prevention, according to Intermountain Health’s High Risk Cancer Prevention Clinic.

Formerly called the High Risk Breast Clinic, the telehealth clinic recently expanded to include personalized, comprehensive prevention services for gastrointestinal cancers and pancreatic cancer. By identifying high-risk individuals early and providing appropriate care, The High Risk Cancer Prevention Clinic aims to prevent cancer or detect it at an early, more treatable stage.

“We’re shifting the focus from treatment to prevention as often as possible,” said Maricel Purcell, NP, High Risk Cancer Prevention Clinic, “And we do this all from the comfort of your own home.”

Individuals with a family history of cancer, those who carry a genetic mutation associated with increased cancer risk, or those with personal risk factors may be considered at high risk for developing cancer.

“Although learning that you may be at high risk of developing cancer can be scary and emotional, finding out early can benefit your long-term health because we can actively work to prevent cancer or catch it early when it’s a lot easier to treat,” Purcell said.

If you believe you are at high risk for cancer, you can schedule an appointment and meet with a provider from the comfort of your home using video visit technology on a phone, tablet, or computer. A healthcare professional will walk you through a cancer risk assessment to determine your risk profile. If you are found to be at high risk, your provider will create a personalized management plan aimed at preventing or reducing your risk for cancer. The plan may include genetic testing, which can identify specific gene mutations that increase a person's risk of developing certain types of cancers, increased screening and surveillance, lifestyle measures, chemoprevention, and/or risk-reducing surgeries.

For more information on the High Risk Cancer Prevention Clinic or to schedule an appointment, visit intermountainhealthcare.org/cancer.

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