Sylvester's Genetic Predisposition Syndrome (GPS) clinic, launched and supported by the Eileen Youtie Hereditary Predisposition Initiative, is home for people carrying a pathogenic genetic mutation, if they have ever had cancer (cancer survivors), or if they are unaffected but they are at increased risk for cancer (previvors).
The GPS clinic’s comprehensive team of experts will help every patient quantify and understand their specific risk, receive personalized cancer screening, risk-reduction strategies, education, and specialized previvorship and survivorship care.
The team at Sylvester leads research efforts around early personalized screening and tailored risk reduction strategies that ultimately lead to the best outcomes.
Up to 15-20% of all cancers are attributable to pathogenic genetic mutations — meaning inherited genes may contribute to a person developing cancer during their lifetime. Researchers have identified more than 50 hereditary cancer syndromes, where different cancers like breast, colorectal, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate, stomach, skin, and others can affect multiple family members.
If we identify people who carry these genes early, we can greatly improve their outcome and survival.
Today, we can screen for many genes that predispose to cancer.
Once identified, people at higher risk receive specialized, coordinated care from our clinic team.
Coordinated Care
Together, your multi-disciplinary team of experts work to:
- Tailor plans of care for people with genetic predisposition syndromes using a multidisciplinary approach — under one roof
- Diagnose cancer at the earliest stage
- Identify your family members who are at high and average-risk through genetic testing
- Offer access to proven risk reduction services
- Ensure access to specific cancer (breast, lung, colorectal, etc.) specialized high risk clinics
- Deliver effective emotional counseling
- Provide a wide-ranging array of survivorship care services
- Use the knowledge gained to support research to prevent, diagnose, and treat hereditary cancers
- Assure the best outcomes for patients
The GPS clinic serves a wide variety of individuals, including:
- People diagnosed with a genetic predisposition, such as:
- People without a confirmed genetic predisposition who are eligible to get tested. Want to know if you are eligible? Call 305-689-RISK (7475).
- First-degree family members of a person with a known genetic predisposition syndrome
(A first-degree family member is a parent, sibling, or child.) - Patients diagnosed with cancer in the context of a genetic predisposition syndrome.
Sylvester’s integrated care team will develop an in-depth risk stratification assessment as well as a care plan to include personalized screening and surveillance, prevention, and risk reduction recommendations for each patient we serve. A concierge patient navigator will facilitate timely access to all services.
Comprehensive, multidisciplinary care at South Florida’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center
Through this initiative, we not only identify those individuals with a genetic hereditary cancer syndrome but we facilitate, coordinate, and truly personalize their care.
The team of experts at Sylvester extend across multiple disciplines, depending on your needs:
- Geneticists
- Pathologists
- Researchers
- Surgeons
- Plastic surgeons
- Gynecologic oncologists
- Gastroenterologists
- Dermatologists
- Medical oncologists
- Radiation oncologists
- Psychologists
- Health coaches
- Patient education and support services
- Fertility specialists and more
Saving a life with early detection.
The Eileen Youtie Predisposition Syndrome Initiative supports our work in this rapidly-evolving field. It promotes not only patient care but innovative research, patient education, and community awareness regarding the importance of genetic testing and hereditary syndromes.
Eileen Youtie was a patient at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. While receiving treatment, Eileen was a passionate advocate for genetic testing and for the “right type of care” for those with a genetic predisposition syndrome. She channeled her energy into helping others and raising awareness about hereditary cancers. Though she succumbed to breast cancer, through her foundation, her family and friends keep her legacy alive and continue the fight.
“My mom always said if we can save even one life, then all this was worth it, and, frankly, I know we can save so many.”
Meet The Team
