New services for those in our community at highest risk for cancer are now offered at Spectrum Health Lakeland.

Located in the Center for Outpatient Services, St. Joseph, the high risk cancer program will monitor patients at high risk of developing breast cancer and help reduce the risk of the disease or diagnose it at any early stage.

The services will initially support those at risk for breast cancer who may fit the following criteria:

•A family history of breast cancer diagnosed at or before 50 years of age and an age of 20 years old or older
•Multiple close relatives with a history of breast cancer
•A known gene mutation in the family associated with increased cancer risks
•A history of breast biopsy proven atypical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ
•Previous chest wall radiation
•A close relative who has had ovarian cancer
•A family history of male breast cancer
•Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry

At a later time, services may grow to include patients at high risk for other types of cancer.

“This program will provide a wonderful service to patients by offering a formal process to educate them on patients on their risk of developing cancer, understanding genetic risks, and learning strategies for cancer prevention,” said Barbara Schmidtman, PhD, Director, Oncology Services.

For more information, call the high risk cancer program at 269.932.9337