Northside Hospital Cancer Institute has launched a new program targeted at providing specialized care for individuals who may be at a higher risk of developing cancer.
The new High Risk Program offers a team of compassionate and qualified oncology specialists that has expertise in high-risk screening protocols, promoting cancer prevention, facilitating early detection and providing ongoing surveillance. They work with patients to evaluate cancer risk and provide a personalized, evidence-based plan of care, which may include enhanced cancer screenings, genetic testing, lifestyle changes or regular follow-up appointments.
Individuals may be at an increased risk of cancer if they have:
- A family history of cancer.
- A mutation within a hereditary cancer gene.
- Previous abnormal cancer screening.
- Previous abnormal biopsy.
- Other risk factors.
The High Risk Program’s initial focus will be on patients at high risk for developing breast and ovarian cancer.
Patients referred to the program may be seen at the High Risk Clinic, which is located on the Northside Hospital Atlanta campus. Consultations are provided by a specially trained nurse practitioner under the supervision of the clinic’s medical director, Dr. Iqbal Garcha.
“I am very excited to be able to offer this service to our community,” said Dr. Garcha. “Patients that are at high risk for developing breast cancer have been underserved by the medical community for some time. We feel that in order to properly evaluate their risk, give them evidence-based options for reducing this risk, as well as coordinating their follow-up care, a dedicated program is essential.”
“This clinic has a multi-disciplinary team including genetic counselors and dietitians,” Dr. Garcha added. “I am very proud of all the hard work that has gone into making this program a reality and look forward to working as the medical director.”
“I am honored to serve my community with the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute High Risk Program,” said Kiana Ohlson, MSN, FNP-C, High Risk Program clinical coordinator. “The goal of this program is to extend survival, improve the quality of life and reduce anxiety for individuals with a high risk for cancer by virtue of proper surveillance, early detection and prompt treatment.”
Learn more about the High Risk Program and cancer care at Northside.
