Transforming Tomorrow: The Role of Cancer Surveillance in Reducing or Preventing Cancer

February marks National Cancer Prevention Month—a great time to reassess your cancer risk. In 2023 alone, nearly two million Americans faced a cancer diagnosis, with over 600,000 succumbing to the disease. At Overlake’s High-Risk Cancer Surveillance Clinic, our goal is to defy these alarming statistics by reducing the burden of cancer on patients' lives or, ideally, preventing its onset altogether. 

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Who can benefit from visiting Overlake’s High-Risk Cancer Surveillance Clinic?

We recommend a consultation for individuals who:

• Have a family history of breast, endometrial, uterine or colorectal cancer diagnosed before age 50. Have a relative with a rare cancer, such as ovarian, pancreatic, metastatic prostate, medullary thyroid or male breast cancer.
• Belong to a racial or ethnic group known to have an increased risk of certain hereditary cancer syndromes, such as those with Ashkenazi Jewish heritage.
• Have several close blood relatives with the same type of cancer.
• Have a high calculated risk of cancer. View the American Cancer Society’s current breast cancer screening guidelines to see if you are considered high risk for breast cancer. Patients with increased risk may benefit from genetic counseling for a more detailed risk assessment and to evaluate their candidacy for supplemental screening with breast MRI, in addition to mammogram, and may be candidates for risk-reducing medication.
• Patients with a known genetic mutation for a cancer predisposition, including but not limited to BRCA1/2, CHEK2, ATM, TP53 and those associated with Lynch syndrome.

How is my cancer risk level assessed?

We offer state-of-the-art genetic testing to detect hereditary cancer syndromes. These tests can identify specific genetic mutations that increase the likelihood of developing certain types of cancer. We conduct a thorough evaluation of your medical history, family history and lifestyle factors to assess your risk of developing cancer. This assessment allows us to identify individuals with elevated risk and create personalized care plans.

What should I expect at my first appointment? How should I prepare?

At your first visit, we will review your medical and family history, complete a physical exam and discuss your concerns and any opportunity for further testing with labs, imaging, genetic testing or referrals to specialists. Before your appointment, gather the information you can about your family history of cancer, including the age at which family members were diagnosed. We use a program called CancerIQ, which will ask you to enter your family history before the visit. You will receive a link prior to your visit. It is helpful to bring any previous genetic testing reports for yourself or your family members. If your risk is related to breast cancer, you will be offered a breast exam, so wearing a two-piece outfit is recommended. 

What distinguishes Overlake’s High-Risk Cancer Surveillance Clinic from other programs in the area?

Our partnership with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center means our patients have access not only to the best oncologists, but also to clinical trials that are paving the way for the most advanced cancer treatments.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about our services, please contact us: High-Risk Cancer Surveillance Clinic at 425.635.3400. Take charge of your health and let us stand by your side in the fight against an elevated risk for cancer. Our team is here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can make a difference in your life and the lives of your loved ones.