ATLANTA, Ga. (August 21, 2018) — Combining the latest in telemedicine with rapidly expanding knowledge about cancer risk, Piedmont Cancer Genetics has launched a telegenetics program for patients at high risk for breast, colon and ovarian cancer.
The program was made possible by a donation from Holland Ware and Faye Hendrix-Ware of Hogansville and employs four genetic counselors who will offer virtual visits via Piedmont’s telemedicine services while those counselors continue in-person visits. As the only certified member of MD Anderson Cancer Network® in Georgia, Piedmont is committed to transforming healthcare.
“Oncology has moved rapidly into an era where we can lower the risk of cancer and precisely target individualized treatments for those who do develop it,” said John W. Henson, M.D., Chief of Oncology Services. “The explosion of genetic research is the basis for making that happen.”
“Though only 5 to 10 percent of cancer is hereditary, genetic testing can identify individuals who have a high risk for cancer,” said Amanda Eppolito, MS, leader of Piedmont Cancer Genetics. “If someone has an inherited susceptibility, he or she can take proactive steps for risk-reduction and early-detection. This new telegenetics service will allow more patients to benefit from genetic counseling and testing.”
“By incorporating telemedicine capabilities, we are now able to expand our high-quality, personalized care to even more patients, close to home,” said Linda Van der Merwe, Piedmont’s Executive Director of Clinical Oncology Services.
Patients who are interested in the telegenetics program may call Piedmont Cancer Genetics at 404-425-1800.
About Piedmont Healthcare
A private, not-for-profit organization serving nearly 2 million patients across Georgia, Piedmont is transforming healthcare, creating a destination known for the best clinicians and a one-of-a-kind experience that always puts patients first. Today, more than 110 years since it was founded, Piedmont is known as a leading health system in cancer care, treatment of heart disease and organ transplantation with 11 hospitals, 24 urgent care centers, 28 Piedmont QuickCare locations, 555 Piedmont Clinic physician practice locations and more than 2,000 Piedmont Clinic members. Our 22,000-plus employees dedicate themselves to making a positive difference in every life we touch and our commitment doesn’t stop there. In FY 2017, Piedmont provided more than $215 million in uncompensated care community benefit programming in an effort to better the health and well-being of the people in the communities we serve. For more information, visit piedmont.org.
About Piedmont Cancer
A leader in cancer care, Piedmont Cancer treats the whole person – not just the disease. Our multidisciplinary approach to care involves a highly trained team of cancer specialists who collaborate to create a personalized treatment plan that is unique to each person’s type and stage of cancer. Offering the latest in diagnostic testing, innovative and proven therapies, and symptom management, Piedmont Cancer also provides specially trained patient navigators to help guide patients throughout their cancer journey. Because cancer treatment involves more than medical care, innovative support services and programs such as yoga, cooking demos, expressive art classes and counseling are also available to anyone affected by cancer at any phase in his or her journey through Thomas F. Chapman Family Cancer Wellness. Piedmont is an affiliate of MD Anderson Cancer Network®, a program of MD Anderson Cancer Center. For more information, visit piedmont.org.