New Orleans, LA - Ochsner Health announces the launch of its Genetic Wellness Assessment, an innovative screening tool to help identify individuals at risk for hereditary cancers. The Genetic Wellness Assessment is now available for adults interested in learning more about their cancer risk at Ochsner.org/GeneticWellnessSurvey.
The Genetic Wellness Assessment allows individuals to determine whether they may have a higher genetic risk of developing cancer by answering a few simple questions that evaluate individual risk factors. Those identified as having a high risk, or anyone interested in further evaluation, can schedule an appointment to discuss genetic testing. The results of genetic testing are used by healthcare providers to offer personalized recommendations for cancer screening, prevention and further evaluation for patients and family members.
“The Genetic Wellness Assessment is a pivotal step in advancing precision medicine and preventive care,” said Marc Matrana, MD, system medical director of precision medicine, Ochsner Health. “This program allows us to proactively determine if patients are genetically predisposed to developing cancer. Once patients are identified, we can offer a tailored plan to prevent a cancer from developing or detecting it early when it’s most treatable.”
How it works
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Adults interested in taking the assessment can visit Ochsner.org/GeneticWellnessSurvey to complete the Genetic Wellness Assessment at no cost. The assessment evaluates a patient’s personal and family history of cancer to identify their risk of having a genetic cancer syndrome.
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If a patient is identified as high risk, they are offered genetic counseling, testing, and a personalized cancer screening and prevention plan.
Why it matters
It’s estimated that hereditary cancer syndromes, like Lynch syndrome or hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, are responsible for about 1 in 8 cancers. These conditions increase the risk of developing cancer at a younger age or in multiple family members.
By identifying these risks early, Ochsner can help patients take preventive actions, such as specialized screenings or treatments, which can improve outcomes. Ochsner offers complete care and support through its Hereditary Cancer & High-Risk Program to ensure patients receive personalized attention and resources.
“Advancements in genomics and precision medicine are transforming how we approach cancer prevention and treatment,” said Dr. Matrana. “This program empowers patients with knowledge about their risk of developing cancer and connects them with a multidisciplinary team of experts to ensure they and their families receive the best in cancer prevention, early detection and treatment.”
For more than 80 years, Ochsner has been dedicated to cancer research and new cancer therapy development, bringing innovations to treatment with more clinical trials than anywhere else in Louisiana. It is accredited by the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American College of Radiology, the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (Bone Marrow Transplant) and the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers.
Cancer care at Ochsner is recognized by U.S. News & World Report, ranking as high performing in leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma treatment and colon, lung and prostate cancer surgeries. The Ochsner Cancer Institute treats more than 40,000 patients each year and has cared for patients from all 50 states and 28 countries. Each patient’s care team can include as many as 20 multidisciplinary cancer specialists working together to provide high-quality treatment. Ochsner's clinical integration with MD Anderson Cancer Center provides patients access to cancer treatments that are among the most advanced in the nation. Through this collaboration, Ochsner is the first and only provider in Louisiana with a fully integrated cancer program based on MD Anderson’s standards and treatment plans.
Ochsner continues to lead the way in advancing medical genetics and cancer prevention strategies. With three geneticists and 16 genetic counselors across multiple specialties, Ochsner has the only robust precision medicine program in Louisiana. Ochsner’s Genetic Wellness Assessment will significantly improve access to essential hereditary cancer care as it expands to additional regions and patient populations across the Gulf South. For more information about the Genetic Wellness Assessment visit Ochsner.org/GeneticWellnessSurvey To learn more about our program visit Ochsner.org/services/precision-medicine.
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Ochsner Health is the leading nonprofit healthcare provider in the Gulf South, delivering expert care at its 46 hospitals and more than 370 health and urgent care centers. For 14 consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has recognized Ochsner as the No. 1 hospital in Louisiana. Additionally, Ochsner Children’s has been recognized as the No. 1 hospital for kids in Louisiana for five consecutive years. Ochsner inspires healthier lives and stronger communities through a combination of standard-setting expertise, quality and digital connectivity not found anywhere else in the region. In 2024, Ochsner Health cared for more than 1.6 million people from every state in the nation and 63 countries. Ochsner’s workforce includes more than 40,000 dedicated team members and over 4,900 employed and affiliated physicians. To learn more about how Ochsner empowers people to get well and stay well, visit Ochsner.org.