Jersey Shore University Medical Center Launches High risk Genetics Clinic Targeting Cancer Risk Assessment
February 07, 2019
Comprehensive program offers preventative and early detection information sooner, to help patients make informed decisions earlier.
Neptune, NJ - Hackensack Meridian Health Jersey Shore University Medical Center now offers one of the only comprehensive High Risk Genetics Clinics in the region. The clinic provides support for men, women and families who are predisposed to cancer causing genes, or are currently living with cancer.
“We’re extremely excited to offer these services to community members who have been diagnosed with genetic changes that put them at risk for cancer,” says Thomas Bauer, M.D., clinical medical director Oncology Services Hackensack Meridian Health, medical director Thoracic Oncology Hackensack Meridian Health Monmouth and Ocean counties and chief, Thoracic Surgery, Jersey Shore University Medical Center. “The use of genomic testing for targeted therapy of tumors is a tremendous advancement in the treatment of breast cancer, as well as many other cancers such as pancreatic, cervical, endometrial and ovarian. This type of ‘precision medicine’ uses information about a person’s genes and proteins to prevent, diagnose, and treat their disease.”
The program is specially designed to address the complicated aspects of hereditary cancer risk assessment. Each patient has the opportunity to meet with several specialized cancer experts and a genetics counselor in one convenient visit to assess their individual and family risk, screening needs, and prevention and treatment options, if indicated. The team includes:
Angela Musial Fay, M.S., LCGC - Cancer Genetic coordinator;
Verda Hicks, M.D., FACS, FACOG - medical director, Gynecologic Oncology, Hackensack Meridian Health Cancer Care of Monmouth and Ocean counties;
Denise Johnson Miller, M.D., FACS -medical director, Breast Surgery, Hackensack Meridian Health Cancer Care of Monmouth and Ocean counties;
Ronald Matteotti, M.D., FACS, FMH, ABHIM, DABS - medical director, Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hackensack Meridian Health Cancer Care of Monmouth and Ocean counties.
“Patients with a known or suspected hereditary cancer risk will receive the highest quality evaluations, testing and counseling by a caring, compassionate team,” says Kenneth N. Sable, M.D., MBA, FACEP, regional president, southern market, Hackensack Meridian Health.
Dr. Bauer adds, “As a scientific field that has progressed a great deal in the past decade, genetic knowledge opens a whole new area of therapies that were previously unavailable to prevent and treat cancers. Bringing these innovative resources to our local community advances our mission and commitment to being at the forefront of cancer care. ”
For information about the High Risk Genetics Clinic at Jersey Shore University Medical Center or to make an appointment, call 732-897-3580.