Mercy Clinic Oncology - Fort Smith
Mercy Clinic Oncology – Fort Smith specializes in diagnosing and treating patients with cancer, and blood disorders like anemia and bleeding or clotting problems. We provide a full range of chemotherapy and immunotherapy services, oncology clinical trials and patient care and family support.
Mercy's board-certified oncologists work closely with the patient's primary care physician and other specialists to develop individualized treatment plans and coordinate all aspects of the patient's care.
Cancer Navigators for High-Risk Patients
A High-Risk Cancer Advanced Practitioner provides comprehensive genetic testing and coordination of management for inherited health concerns. A consultation with a High-Risk Cancer Advanced Practitioner includes: evaluation of a three generation family history, risk assessment, education, facilitation of genetic testing, interpretation of genetic testing results and help with communicating results to patients and their family members.
Genetic Risk Assessment and Testing for Cancer
A genetic risk assessment and testing can determine if you may be at an increased risk for developing many different types of cancers. Mutations in genes can predispose you for colorectal, uterine, thyroid, stomach and many other types of cancer. Because each gene causes an increased risk for different groups of cancer, it’s important that genetic testing is done on the appropriate gene(s) based on your personal and family history.
Genetic testing can be beneficial to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. However, certain events in your family history suggest a higher risk for inheriting cancer. We may recommend genetic testing if:
- You have a family member on either parent’s side diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50.
- Your family member was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at any age.
- Your male family member had breast cancer.
- You or a family member had two or more breast cancers, with one diagnosed before age 50.
- You’ve had breast cancer in both breasts or more than one within the same breast.
- You or a family member have been diagnosed with breast and another type of cancer such as ovarian, thyroid, or uterine cancer.
- You have a previously identified BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation in your family.
Most insurance companies will cover the cost of genetic testing if you meet the test criteria. If you don’t have insurance coverage, programs are available to help.
Mercy Clinic Oncology in Fort Smith offers cancer prevention and screening services for men and women. For more information on Mercy's cancer prevention services, click here.
Cancer Screenings at Mercy Fort Smith
Used to detect the presence of lung cancer in people with a high risk before signs or symptoms begin showing. People at high risk, such as those with a history of heavy tobacco use, can significantly increase their odds of survival by scheduling annual lung cancer screenings. The recommended screening test for lung cancer is low dose CT lung cancer screening.
Through early screening, colon specialists can find the colon polyps that may become cancerous tumors. And the sooner colon cancer is detected, the easier it is to treat. Experts recommend routine colon cancer testing for everyone 50 and older at normal risk for colon cancer. People at higher risk, such as having a family history of colon cancer, should be tested sooner.
Colorectal cancer can be hereditary. If you have a family history of colorectal cancer or have been diagnosed yourself, your doctor may recommend genetic counseling and possible testing. This testing is a safe, simple way to discover if you or your family is at risk for certain cancers.
Although prostate cancer is very serious, it can be treated effectively when detected early. However, most men who have early prostate cancer won’t experience any symptoms at all. And if allowed to progress untreated, prostate cancer can spread throughout the body and become life-threatening. That’s why you should discuss with your Mercy doctor whether a routine prostate screening is right for you.
A few minutes spent getting a mammogram could save your life. Mammography saves lives with a simple breast x-ray that helps detect cancer early, which experts agree, is the key to breast cancer survival. A mammogram can be used either for screening or for diagnostic purposes.
