Screening

Early detection is your best protection against any cancer. At CHI Saint Joseph Health, we offer the most advanced technology available to catch any issues with greater accuracy, shorter exam times and faster results.

Aside from regular wellness checks and pre-set screenings for patients with a cancer diagnosis of a different type, CHI Saint Joseph Health also offers cancer genetic counseling.

If you feel you may be at genetic high-risk for cancer, please discuss it with your primary care physician. To schedule an appointment, your physician may contact us at 844.835.4363 or email our genetic counselors.

Diagnostic Tests We Perform

Testing for brain and spinal tumors can come in many forms, including:

• Medical history and physical exam
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan
• Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
• Magnetic Resonance Venography (MRV)
• Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS)
• Magnetic Resonance Perfusion (perfusion MRI)
• Functional MRI
• Computed Tomography (CT) scan
• Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan
• Brain or spinal cord biopsy
• Stereotactic (needle) biopsy
• Surgical or open biopsy (craniotomy)
• Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
• Blood and urine test

Cancer Genetic Counseling

We provide cancer risk assessment and genetic counseling to individuals or families with concern regarding an inherited predisposition to cancer. When appropriate, we coordinate genetic testing, aid in the interpretation of results, and discuss management guidelines.

How do I know if the cancer in my family is hereditary?

• Multiple relatives on the same side of the family with the same types of cancer (or related types of cancer, such as breast and ovarian or colon and uterine/endometrial).
• Cancer that occurs under the age of 50
• Rare cancers
• A known cancer predisposition gene in the family
• Concern about personal or family cancer risk
• Cancer and Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry

The decision to have genetic counseling and/or testing is an individual one. One of the goals of a genetic counseling session is to help the patient work through the decision-making process of genetic testing. If you and your family meet one or more of the above criteria, you may want to consider contacting our program.