Gastrointestinal Cancer Prevention Program

Genetics are a risk factor for certain colorectal, pancreatic, small intestine and stomach cancers. Our gastrointestinal (GI) cancer prevention program focuses exclusively on hereditary GI cancers and people with an increased risk of developing one. Ours is one of only a few programs nationwide offering this specialized care to help prevent or minimize your cancer risk.

Our leading-edge program provides the care you need if you have a personal or family history of certain cancers. We test for cancer risk factors and provide screenings when needed to help you avoid future cancers. Highlights of our program include:

• Expert team: Our gastroenterologists and practitioners are nationally acclaimed experts who create guidelines for hereditary cancer prevention. Specialized nurses and genetic counselors support you so you can make an informed decision about your health. 

• Compassionate care: We understand that cancer risk and genetic testing can feel overwhelming. Our team empowers you with facts about your options, provides support and won't pressure you to take tests.

• Customized care: Some patients have risk factors but don't have cancer. Others find out they have a hereditary cancer syndrome after they receive a cancer diagnosis. Whatever your needs, we provide a personalized cancer prevention plan based on the latest science.

• Comprehensive treatment: Certain hereditary syndromes increase the risk of developing cancers outside the GI tract. Our specialists work with geneticists and other cancer specialists to prevent or treat other cancers that may affect you.

• Continuous support: We monitor and study genetic cancer trends, always looking for ways to help you stay healthy. If we find that you might benefit from a visit or screening, we notify you and help you get the care you need. We’re focused on your health, even if it's been months or years since your last visit with us.

• Research: We are heavily involved in cancer research, so we have experience in the newest cancer therapies and prevention methods. Learn more about current colorectal clinical trials and liver, pancreas and biliary clinical trials.

Our experts specialize in identifying hereditary cancers and cancer syndromes (genetic conditions that increase your risk of cancer) so you can live the healthiest life possible. We offer cancer genetic testing for individuals and their family members who may benefit. We partner with cancer specialists to provide seamless care if you need cancer treatment. We help our patients manage:

Hereditary cancer syndromes cause up to 10% of colorectal and pancreatic cancers. These syndromes may cause many colorectal polyps (precancerous growths) to grow in the colon or rectum. People with these syndromes also have a higher risk of developing cancer in the small intestine, stomach, breast and other areas of the body outside of the GI tract. 

We care for people with all types of these hereditary cancer syndromes and gene mutations, including:

• Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
• Harmatomatous polyposes syndromes, including Peutz Jeghers, juvenile polyposis and Cowden syndrome
• Hereditary mixed polyposis syndrome (HMPS)
• Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS)
• Lynch syndrome and Lynch-like syndrome
• MutYH-associated polyposis (MAP)
• NTHL1-associated polyposis
• Polymerase proofreading-associated polyposis (PPAP) 
• Serrated polyposis syndrome
• Gastrointestinal metaplasia
• Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer syndrome
• Gastric adenocarcinoma and proximal polyposis

Our team also supports people diagnosed with hereditary cancer, such as Lynch syndrome or genetic stomach cancer. We provide compassionate, expert advice about managing your future cancer risk and your next steps. We also explain cancer risks for family members and how to address the issue with them.

Our team provides care and support for people with other cancer risk factors. These risk factors may include a family history of certain cancers and also conditions like chronic pancreatitis and intestinal metaplasia. We provide information about your risk factors and screenings to find potential cancers early, when treatment is more successful.

To schedule an appointment, please call 206-223-2319.