Prevention
At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, our cancer prevention and early detection clinics and genetic counseling services help a variety of people, including those who may be at higher risk of developing a certain cancer due to a family history of the disease or another underlying genetic reason.
Others — people who already have cancer, such as prostate cancer or a blood cancer, because their genetics put them at higher risk — come to us to better understand how their genetics may impact their disease. Why does it matter, if they already have cancer? Because this information can help their physicians find better, more precise treatments that target the specific gene causing the problem.
Routine screenings
Cancer prevention isn’t only for people who may be at higher risk. Everyone should be screened regularly for certain cancers, such as breast or colorectal (colon) cancer, and should check with their physician to find out which screenings they need and how often.
For instance, if you are between the ages of 55 and 80 and have a long history of smoking, your physician may recommend that you be screened for lung cancer. Specifically, if you have a 30-pack-per-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit smoking within the past 15 years, you should be screened, even if you don’t have any symptoms. Experts recommend screening every year using low-dose computed tomography.
If you need a routine screening, call us at (206) 606-6100 to schedule an appointment that’s convenient for you.
Personalized prevention plans for those at higher risk
Everyone who comes to us is unique, including you. Because of this, our experts personalize their cancer prevention and surveillance approach to each individual who may be at higher risk for a certain cancer.
One person’s plan might include more frequent colonoscopies to detect colon cancer. Another might benefit from a medication that reduces their risk. For some, a procedure to remove a growth before it becomes problematic could be the answer. Prevention could involve losing weight or stopping smoking. Often, a person’s cancer prevention plan includes a combination of approaches.
Whatever your circumstances, the Fred Hutch prevention experts — from our medical geneticists and genetic counselors to our blood cancer, lung cancer and gastrointestinal cancer experts and beyond — are here to help you, answer your questions and support you.
Clinics and programs
Learn more about our prevention clinics and early detection programs. Not sure where to go? Call us at (206) 606-6100 and we can direct you.
Cancer risk assessment
Better understanding your cancer risk can help both you and your family. If you learn through genetic testing that you have a higher risk of cancer because of your genetics (or that your current cancer has a genetic cause), your blood relatives can also benefit, since they may decide to be tested to determine their own risk.
Evaluations of breast abnormalities, individual screening for high-risk people and treatment of benign breast problems as well as breast cancer.
Patients meet with medical geneticists or genetic counselors to review their family history of cancer and discuss genetic testing options.
Risk assessment and genetic counseling for people who have or may be at increased risk for blood cancer. One of only a few clinics of its kind nationwide.
Genetic counseling, testing and oncology review for men who already have prostate cancer. The only clinic of its kind in the Pacific Northwest.
High risk prevention
Some people may be at higher risk of developing cancer. Our experts offer personalized prevention programs that helps reduce that risk.
For people with an increased risk of breast cancer and/or gynecologic cancer due to family history or other genetic factors.
For people who have had genetic testing and know they’re at higher risk of GI cancer. We develop a personalized prevention plan that helps reduce risk.
This clinic offers a personalized approach to managing risk, providing regular surveillance for those at high risk of developing one or more cancers.
Offers wellness-focused follow-up care after breast cancer treatment plus monitoring for women with a higher risk of developing cancer.
Early detection
If an issue or precancerous tissue is detected early, cancer can sometimes be prevented. If cancer already exists, finding it early usually means it can be treated more easily.
At the Breast Health Clinic, our experts use the most advanced 3D mammography technology and digital breast tomosynthesis to detect abnormalities.
Colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer and remove polyps, available at South Lake Union clinic.
Experienced counselors provide Fred Hutch patients, caregivers and family members the support, medication and resources they need to quit tobacco.
Evaluates lung abnormalities found in routine screenings to determine whether they are cancerous.
As one of the first Lung Cancer Screening Centers of Excellence, our experts use computed tomography (CT) to detect abnormalities at six sites across the Puget Sound.
One of the best ways to detect prostate cancer early is through screening — testing to find the disease in men with no prostate cancer symptoms.
Left unchecked, abnormal skin growths can become cancerous and quickly spread. Our skin experts monitor patients to reduce this risk.
