Cancer Prevention and Early Detection is Priority at Upland Hills Health

Since January 2023, more than 2,400 patients seen by Upland Hills Health (UHH) providers have completed a comprehensive cancer risk assessment. That is significant because the assessment determines whether the person may benefit from genetic testing or modified cancer risk management.

As expected, most patients were able to be reassured of their “average risk” for developing cancer and standard cancer screening protocols could be continued. Many of the individuals were found to have concerning risk factors in either their personal or family history for which further individualized management was indicated. Ten percent of the patients who completed the assessment had a significantly elevated breast cancer risk and qualified for enhanced breast cancer screening. For some, more refined recommendations were indicated for other cancer types, including colorectal, ovarian, uterine, skin and prostate cancer. In addition, 21 percent of those who completed the assessment met established guidelines to consider genetic testing. This testing is now performed on-site at UHH and can be an invaluable tool in clarifying individual cancer risk and the risk in families.

UHH has partnered with Ambry Genetics to incorporate cancer risk assessments into annual wellness exams through the UHH primary care clinics. Too often, an individual’s cancer risk is not well understood until after a cancer diagnosis has been made. With a more proactive approach, an individualized plan can be established for screening to detect cancer earlier and possibly even prevent it. Early detection improves the opportunity for a better outcome.

As part of the program, patients older than 25 who were scheduled for annual wellness visits were invited to complete an online survey to update specific family or personal cancer risk factors prior to their in-person visit. Individuals who did not complete the survey online shared the information during their office visit.

“Cancer invokes fear of the unknown. Knowing their risk can help individuals navigate screening and prevention and provide a sense of control,” says UHH physician Dr. Jared Linebarger. “Our role as health care providers must be to facilitate that process.”

For more information about the Ambry CARE program at Upland Hills, visit: ambrygen.com/partners/care.