Patients often seek care only after experiencing symptoms that lead to a cancer diagnosis. However, early detection can be a key component in treating cancer, particularly for high-risk individuals.
Tampa General Hospital's Cancer Institute has established the first-in-Florida center designed specifically for rapid access, early detection, and high-risk patients to help you get ahead of a cancer diagnosis. As a leading academic health system, Tampa General has the resources and knowledge to help you or your loved one get the care you need, when you need it.
At the TGH Early Detection & High-Risk Cancer Center, we work with a variety of patients, including:
- Individuals who have a family history of cancer or a genetic predisposition to cancer
- Individuals who have abnormal imaging but no existing pathology or cancer diagnosis to date
- Individuals who want to assess and better understand their health risks proactively
The Tampa General Difference
Our TGH Early Detection & High-Risk Cancer Center is available for patients across Florida, with a team that includes medical oncologists, genetics counselors, social workers, and nurse navigators, all of whom collaborate to design a prevention plan with each patient’s lifestyle in mind. No two cancers are alike, and our team of experts is dedicated to providing patient-centered care and a personalized plan for each person’s unique health needs.
This approach can include cancer screening services, expedited oncology workups, and high-risk surveillance.
Cancer comes in many forms, and our team has the breadth and depth of practitioners to manage these complexities.
What to Expect at the TGH Early Detection & High-Risk Cancer Center
At the TGH Early Detection & High-Risk Cancer Center, we help individuals who are concerned about their risk of developing cancer.
We start with an initial virtual consultation to perform a cancer risk assessment and understand your personal needs. This may be followed by a genetics counseling session with our acclaimed Genetic Counseling & Testing Program, which consists of a team of licensed, board-certified genetic counselors. Depending on your history, we may also recommend genetic testing to help you make informed decisions about your medical care.
We also offer the recently developed innovative multi-cancer early detection (MCED) testing, which screens for up to 50 different types of cancer.
Once testing is complete, we will review results with you and provide recommendations regarding your care, which could include screenings, medication, or surgery. Visit our Genetic Counseling & Testing Program to find more information about how our genetics counseling team works with patients.
How to Schedule an Appointment
To schedule an appointment with our team, reach out to us at (813) 844-7585 or complete our New Patient Request Form.
TGH Imaging locations offer screenings and diagnostic testing, including MRIs, 3D mammography, ultrasounds, biopsies and other in-office procedures and treatments.
FAQs
Get quick answers to the most common questions about our Early Detection & High-Risk Cancer Center. This guide helps you understand what to expect, how testing works, and how to get started with your care.
The TGH Cancer Institute's Early Detection & High-Risk Cancer Center is led by medical oncologist, Dr. Victoria Rizk, and experienced Advanced Practice Providers. Patients and referring providers may request an appointment with one of our providers by calling the TGH Cancer Institute at 813-844-4151 or online by filling out the new patient form.
Depending on your conversation with your provider, recommended testing may include imaging, bloodwork, or a referral to a specialist. If you choose to move forward with multi‑cancer early detection (MCED) testing, a blood sample will be collected to look for any potential signs of cancer in your bloodstream. Results are typically available within two weeks and will be reviewed with you at your follow‑up appointment. Based on those findings, your provider may recommend additional testing to support the next steps in your care.
Multi‑cancer Early Detection (MCED) tests are not currently covered by insurance.
Routine cancer screenings are typically covered by insurance. However, multi‑cancer early detection (MCED) tests are not covered at this time. The out‑of‑pocket cost ranges from $689 to $800 per test. Financial assistance may be available in certain situations, and we’re here to help you explore those options.
If a patient receives a positive test result, our team will coordinate the appropriate imaging and connect them with the right specialists. Our experts will guide next steps, recommend any additional testing, and place referrals as needed to support timely, comprehensive care.
