When confronting a life-threatening disease like cancer, knowledge is power. And, thanks to contributions from our 17th Annual Spinoff: Auction for Life, Journey of Healing, on May 8, 2008, Kristin Kalla, heredity and cancer genetics program coordinator at Scripps Cancer Center, Stevens Division, is providing patients and their families with vital information. Philanthropic support from the event provided the funding to begin the heredity and cancer genetics program, which consults patients with many types of cancer, including breast, colon and prostate.
Understanding the uncertainty that can overwhelm a patient and their family following a difficult diagnosis, Kristin is a valuable resource at Scripps Cancer Center, Stevens Division. She provides genetic counseling and screening services to inform people about their risk for inherited forms of cancer.
“You can’t prevent breast cancer, but you can detect it at an early stage – which is key to prolonged survival,” says Kristin.
Through education and raising awareness about potential risks, these critical services provide comfort and help calm the fears of our patients and their loved ones.