Surveillance and preventionare vital for anyone at a higher risk for hereditary cancers including breast, ovarian, gastric, colorectal, pancreatic, melanoma, endometrial and prostate cancers.
Those at an elevated risk for hereditary cancers should seek the guidance of high-risk cancer specialists who can create personalized surveillance and prevention plans.
If you already know or suspect you may be at higher risk for hereditary cancers, such as breast cancer, you can be referred to the program by a primary care provider or you can contact the program directly without first having a screening.
Inspira’s Approach to Cancer Surveillance
Every patient who comes to an Inspira Imaging Center for a mammogram is offered a high-risk cancer assessment using Inspira Insight—a short screening questionnaire to assess your risk. Those who are not imaging patients can request the assessment by contacting our high-risk program. Or you can complete the questionnaire online.
If the results of your Inspira Insight cancer risk assessment show that you may be at a higher risk for developing breast or another hereditary cancer, we recommend you meet with our high-risk coordinator, a nurse practitioner trained in genetics. They can help you further assess your results, answer any questions, and develop a personalized plan for early cancer detection and prevention. Genetic testing may be recommended.
Prior to scheduling your appointment with the high-risk coordinator, we will contact your physician for a referral to our program if necessary for your insurance plan. Most insurance plans will provide coverage for an office visit to discuss your family history. The high-risk coordinator’s office will confirm your coverage when they contact you to schedule your appointment.
If you’d like more information about cancer screening, diagnosis or prevention, our team is here to help.
Program Services
Our high-risk cancer surveillance program offers screening and counseling to help you lower your risk of getting cancer in the future.
- For example, a plan for someone with a high risk of breast cancer may include:
- Screening or a diagnostic mammogram annually or as recommended
- An ultrasound or breast MRI if recommended
- Education on how to conduct a breast self-exam
- Genetic counseling and possible testing
- A clinical breast exam
- Education materials on breast and other cancer risks
- Ongoing surveillance and support
