High-Risk Clinic
The Wellmont Cancer Institute is committed to treating cancer when needed and preventing it when possible. With the goal of prevention in mind, the cancer institute offers a high-risk clinic and genetic counseling services for individuals who are potentially experiencing factors that could increase their risk of developing cancer. Learning about specific high-risk factors enables individuals and families to make choices to help reduce those risks.
High-risk services may be helpful when:
- An abnormal biopsy or screening test occurs in an individual who does not have cancer
- Family members have developed cancer at advanced ages, leading to a moderately increased risk for cancer
- Certain medications an individual is taking increase the risk of cancer
- Cancer has been diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood without a strong family history
The Wellmont Cancer Institute's high-risk consultations are performed by Wendy Vogel, a nationally recognized oncology-certified nurse practitioner.
High-risk assessment factors for cancer
- Do you smoke?
- Do you get moderate to strenuous exercise less than five days a week for at least 30 minutes a day?
- Do you use a tanning bed or have regular sun exposure?
- Are you overweight or obese?
- Do you eat fewer than five servings of fruit and vegetables each day?
- Do you go outside frequently without using sunscreen?
These basic questions and many other lifestyle factors can be used to help determine if an individual has a higher-than-average risk for cancer. Once a person understands his or her risk level, steps can be taken to help reduce that risk with the goal of preventing cancer in the future.
Getting started with a high-risk clinic consultation
Individuals with questions or concerns about their risk factors for cancer should speak with their primary care physician to determine if a high-risk consultation might be helpful. For more information, please contact Wendy Vogel with the Wellmont Cancer Institute's high-risk clinic at (423) 578-8500.