SigMT

96 | SIGNATURE MONTANA Betsy Smith, certified genetic counselor, and Whitney McKinley, oncology nurse practitioner, are providing peace of mind for people who have a higher-than-average likelihood of developing cancer in their lifetime. e expert team's combined compassion, knowledge, and guidance make patients feel like they will be taken care of, no maer what news might come along the way. Who are patients of the high-risk program at Benefis Sleen Cancer Institute? Our patients tend to fall into two main groups. Some of our patients have a known genetic mutation that puts them at higher risk for geing certain cancers during their lifetime. Others have a strong family history of cancer that increases their risk for that same cancer, but their genetic testing doesn't show a specific cancer gene mutation. How does taking preventative measures help someone who has a high risk of geing cancer in their lifetime? Unfortunately, we don't know how to prevent all cancers. But for most cancers, the earlier we find it, the beer. When cancer can be detected at its earliest stage, it is far easier to treat and cure. For example, we care for a few families with a condition that puts them at an increased risk for an aggressive form of kidney cancer. By doing MRIs or CT scans on a regular basis, we can find those kidney cancers early and treat them successfully with surgery. at tailored care in a high-risk individual can be lifesaving. What does it mean to be a patient of the high-risk program? I think for most patients, they would tell you it means peace of mind. Cancer can be a scary thing, and when you've seen your loved ones face a diagnosis like that, it can really hit home. Our goal is to provide reassurance and listen to the concerns our patients have, as well as to help them be proactive and feel empowered to take active steps for risk reduction and early detection. If cancers can be caught as early as possible, we can successfully treat them. For someone at high risk, it can provide a great deal of hope knowing we are there to help them either reduce their risks or catch a cancer early. How does someone know if they would benefit from a consultation with the high-risk program? You may benefit from consulting with us if you have any of the following: a known hereditary cancer syndrome or a family history of a hereditary cancer syndrome; three family members on the same side of the family with the same kind of cancer; personal history or close family members with cancer at a younger age than typical (this includes breast cancer, colon cancer, prostate cancer, or uterine cancer prior to age 50); or personal history or close family members with certain types of cancer including ovarian cancer, metastatic prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, or triple-negative breast cancer. To schedule a consultation or for more information, please call (406) 731-8290. TO YOUR HEALTH TEXT BY BENEFIS HEALTH SYSTEM You're Not Alone. So, You Have a High Risk for Cancer? S MT

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