BayCare Launches Free Cancer Risk Survey To Catch High-Risk Cases Early

This week, BayCare Health System started a quick cancer screening quiz that checks for nine types of cancer risk. The five-minute online check uses CancerIQ software to scan both personal and family health patterns.

"What if you harbor a risk that we could identify early, catch you at a younger age, and mitigate that risk? Or maybe even take it away?" said Dr. Peter Blumencranz, medical director of BayCare Cancer Institute, per Bay News 9.

The quiz checks for signs linked to breast, colon, lung, and other cancers. After someone takes the quiz, skilled nurses at BayCare's High Risk Clinic study the results.

Erika Oschmann, who works as an advanced nurse at the clinic, pointed out what makes this special. "The best thing about this program is it's tailored to that patient. And so it's very individualized," Oschmann said.

While the main focus is adults aged 25 to 45, anyone can take part. Based on what shows up in the results, medical teams might push for earlier or more regular check-ups than usual.

After watching cancer take several loved ones, Desnee Ebner-Rivers signed up for the early test group. She lost her dad to prostate cancer, while breast cancer claimed both her mom and grandmother.

"I feel like the IQ test takes a guessing out of that," Ebner-Rivers said. "It's like, here's the information, here's your background, and here's what we're going to do next."

By finding risks before symptoms start, the staff can set up ways to stop cancer before it starts. This might mean more visits to the doctor or tests starting at a younger age.

Some patients need extra care for breast cancer screening. "If you have a high risk of breast cancer, you may need a breast exam every six months, not once a year, rather mammogram once a year. You get a mammogram alternating every six months with MRI," Blumencranz said.

When the quiz shows someone needs more tests, BayCare steps in to help with costs. They'll watch how well this helps catch cancer early as time goes on.

Want to check your risk? The free quiz is up on BayCare's site now. You'll see your risk score and what steps to take next.