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Adventist Health announced the opening of a new high-risk genetics clinic in Bakersfield last week, affiliated with the provider’s AIS Cancer Center, which grants comprehensive genetic risk assessment services to individuals with genetic history of common cancers.

The clinic, which offers patients risk assessment screenings for breast, ovarian, colorectal and prostate cancers, will specialize in high-risk care related to hereditary cancers, with a goal of helping patients understand hereditary risks and make informed health decisions, coordinating care with patients’ primary care physicians.

Genetic testing in current cancer patients can help reduce the risk of recurrence.

“We want to empower our community with knowledge about their genetic cancer risks, which aids in early detection and prevention,” said Jae Macanas, DNP, Adventist Health family medicine provider who specializes in genetics at the clinic. “By expanding access to genetic testing in the Central Valley, we aim to enable our community to be proactive about their risks, resulting in better outcomes and survivability.”

Adventist Health says the opening of the clinic highlights the provider’s mission to inspire health, wholeness and hope, integrating advanced technologies, like genetic testing, into its comprehensive cancer care services.