Genetics Program for Cancer Risk Now Available to Palm Beach and Martin County Patients

teaser image for tgh genetics program blog post featuring a glowing tree shaped like a dna helix surrounded by orange and blue glowing silhouettes of humans

TGH Cancer Institute | Cancer Center of South Florida (CCSF) now offers a genetics program for Palm Beach and Martin county patients who wish to take a proactive stance to determine their risk for cancer. The Hereditary Cancer Prevention & Risk Program is available to:

  • Anyone with active cancer.
  • Those previously diagnosed with cancer.
  • Those with a family history of cancer.

Hereditary risk counselor, Catherine Marinak, APRN, MSN, AOCNP, a nurse practitioner with an advanced specialization in cancer risk assessment, leads the program. Each patient starts the program with an in-depth consultation with Marinak to discuss and review their family’s medical history. From there, she evaluates if the patient will benefit from a personalized, high-risk assessment and possible testing.

What Does the Assessment Include?

If it’s determined that the patient should pursue a full risk assessment and/or genetic testing, the program includes:

  • Discussion of the various genetic testing options.
  • A review of the benefits of testing, including insurance coverage and confidentiality.
  • Helping patients decide if genetic testing is right for them.
  • Explaining the genetic testing process.
  • Discussing medical management options based on family history and/or testing results.
  • Addressing the emotional impact of cancer risk information on individuals and their families.

Moving Forward With Genetic Testing

For patients who proceed with genetic testing, Tampa General’s experienced and compassionate team will explain your results clearly and understandably to help determine what you and your family. TGH works with a team of multidisciplinary specialists to help reduce your cancer risk or to detect and treat cancer early if there are treatment options available.

Specialists may suggest genetic testing if a patient’s family members have had one of the following:

  • A cancer diagnosis before age 50.
  • Multiple cancer diagnoses.
  • Several relatives with similar cancers.
  • Ovarian, pancreatic, or high-risk prostate cancer.
  • Rare cancers such as male breast cancer, adrenocortical carcinoma, or pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma.
  • Family members with a genetic test result that indicates an increased cancer risk.

“Through this program, we’re giving patients and their families the knowledge and support they need to take control of their health,” said Marinak, director of Hereditary Risk Assessment & Early Detection at the TGH Cancer Institute | CCSF. “By understanding genetic risks, we can take meaningful steps toward preventing cancer or catching it early, when treatment has the greatest impact. If a patient decides to pursue genetic testing, our team will be there to guide them every step of the way.”

Board certified in oncology, Marinak earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University, and her Master of Science in Nursing from Florida Atlantic University, where she completed a thesis on cancer survivorship. She enhanced her specialization in cancer risk assessment and hereditary cancer counseling through advanced training at renowned institutions such as Fox Chase Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, and City of Hope. Marinak is an active member of the Oncology Nursing Society and the International Society of Nursing in Genetics, where she serves on the education board. She joined TGH Cancer Institute | CCSF in early 2025.

The Hereditary Cancer Prevention & Risk Program reflects the partnership between TGH Cancer Institute and CCSF, which has offered exceptional, academic-level care to patients in Palm Beach and Martin counties since 2020. Led by a dedicated team that provides personalized patient care and state-of-the-art treatments, patients also benefit from access to Tampa General Hospital, an academic health system with multidisciplinary experts, advanced clinical trials, and comprehensive support services.

The Hereditary Cancer Prevention & Risk Program is offered at TGH Cancer Institute | CCSF’s locations in Palm Beach Gardens and Palm Springs, Florida. For more information, call (561) 221-2660.