What if doctors could uncover your risk for disease and help you prevent it? Or determine whether a therapy or dose of medicine will be effective for your specific health needs? What if your health care plan was based on a sample size of 1 – just you? With genomic profiles, physicians and researchers can determine with unprecedented accuracy if someone is at risk for cancer, heart disease and other conditions. From disease prevention to diagnosis to treatment, genomics is the future of medicine and will be an essential component of all health care. In 2019, we began laying the foundation for our comprehensive program — AdventHealth Genomics and Personalized Health — which will ultimately provide comprehensive genomics testing, analysis, interpretation and genetic counseling services. When it comes to treating the whole person, our genomics program will deliver on the renewed focus we promised during the launch of our new brand, AdventHealth. We believe personalized medicine that focuses on the whole person is superior health care and nothing is more personal than your DNA. At AdventHealth, we believe knowledge is power.

Why are we offering clinical genomic programs, such as the GRACE program?

From disease prevention to diagnosis to treatment, genomics is the future of medicine. Genomics will be an essential component of health care not just for the individual, but for our greater community as we focus on wellness and preventative care. The implications of genomics programs are significant for today’s patients, and importantly, the future of Florida’s health.

What are we evaluating?

AdventHealth is implementing clinical pilots within mammography appointments, colonoscopy appointments, and primary care appointments to provide the benefits of personalized and preventative care with the goal to expand the programs across AdventHealth. With any new initiative or technology, we test it in a small population and see how the community responds before expanding to the whole organization.

Who can join the program?

Adults (18-70) who are scheduled for a mammography appointment, colonoscopy appointment, and/or primary care appointment at one of our pilot locations/clinics within AdventHealth. Once you have an appointment at one of these locations, you will receive an email to complete a cancer risk assessment survey. This is the first step in the program.

How do I join the program?

You will receive an email from Volpara Health (sent on behalf of AdventHealth). You will need to enter your date of birth to access your personal cancer risk survey. Please complete your survey before your scheduled appointment (either colonoscopy or mammography). Our care navigator will reach out after your appointment with your results and potential next steps if you are at higher-than-average risk for hereditary cancer.

What can I expect once I join?

Once you complete your survey, our care navigator will reach out with your results. If you are at low risk, you will continue completing your screenings, as prescribed by your health care provider. If you are at higher-than-average risk, you could be referred to our genetic counselors who will discuss genetic testing and/or you could be referred for additional tests such as ultrasounds or biopsies.

Why are you looking at cancers that may have a hereditary cause, like breast and colon cancers?

It’s well established that having pathogenic variants in BRCA 1/2 (and other genes) puts individuals at a much higher risk of developing hereditary cancers, primarily breast and/or ovarian cancers. Likewise, it’s well established that there are several genes associated with a higher risk of developing gastrointestinal and/or colorectal cancer, including the Lynch syndrome. Those with Lynch syndrome are also at a higher risk of developing other cancers, such as uterine, stomach, liver, kidney, and brain cancers, at a young age (<50 years old).

Why is early detection so important?

Early detection of cancer is associated with better health outcomes and lower cost of care to the patient. Additionally, if genetic testing shows that a patient has a higher chance to develop cancer, the patient has the opportunity to alert first-degree relatives (such as parents, children, siblings) to let them know about their potential to carry the same hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome.

If I have breast cancer or colon cancer, could I pass this on to my children?

If you are found to have a hereditary predisposition to develop breast cancer, each of your children will have a 50 percent chance of having it.

Will I get billed for the DNA analysis testing?

If the DNA analysis testing is ordered by the physician(s) involved in your care, you will be billed in the same manner as you would with any other lab tests that are medically recommended and ordered by the physician(s) involved in your care. A majority of patients typically pay $100 or less (out of pocket). If you have a high deductible or are self-pay, the genetic testing self-pay price is around $250. Most laboratories have patient assistance programs if you cannot afford this cost.

If DNA analysis testing indicates a potential future “pre-existing condition”, will it affect my chances of obtaining insurance in the future?

A federal law called the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) makes it illegal for health insurance companies, group health plans, and most employers to discriminate against you based on your genetic information, but GINA does not apply to life insurance, long-term care insurance, or disability insurance. More information about GINA is available at http://www.genome.gov/. There is also Florida law that prohibits your genetic information from being used to grant or deny certain insurances, employment, mortgage, loan, credit or educational opportunities. However, a diagnosis made from your DNA analysis test results may have an effect on your access to certain insurance or insurance rates. For example, a life insurance company may consider a medical diagnosis in your medical record, even if the diagnosis was based on the results of a DNA analysis. Please know that AdventHealth and your physician(s), as your health care provider, will not use your genetic information for any of these purposes. Laws against genetic discrimination may not apply to the military.

If I have breast cancer, can my children be denied medical or insurance coverage?

Your family is protected by the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA).

Are you going to sell my DNA to other companies?

No, we are not going sell your DNA to other companies. Your DNA analysis test results and other health information about you may be used and shared with others as allowed by federal and state privacy laws for: Treatment you receive from healthcare providers. Payment to AdventHealth, your physician(s) and the laboratory by health plans or other payers for your treatment. Health care operations of AdventHealth, your physician(s) or the laboratory. For example, health care operations include reviewing what went well with your treatment and what needs to be improved, as well as creating de-identified information that may be used and shared with others as allowed by law. Please review the AdventHealth Joint Notice of Privacy Practices for more details about how your health information may be used and shared with others and how you may request restrictions.

How do you de-identify and use my de-identified DNA analysis test results?

Your personal identifying information is removed from the data elements that constitute the DNA analysis test results. By aggregating large numbers of de-identified DNA analysis data elements, scientists are able to better understand how certain genes may be associated with certain medical conditions.

If I have further questions regarding the DNA Analysis testing, who may I speak with?

Speak with your physician or genetic counselor who is performing your procedure or ordering the DNA analysis test. If you have additional questions about the clinical program, please contact our care navigator at Call 407-440-1394 .

Genomics and Personalized Health

A woman being helped by her nurse for an x-ray

The Genomics and Risk Assessment for Cancer Early Detection Program

At AdventHealth, we're committed to helping people better understand their personal cancer risk so they can make informed decisions about prevention, screening, and early detection.

As part of routine care at participating locations, patients may be asked questions about their personal and family health history. This information helps us identify individuals who may benefit from additional support through our Genomics and Risk Assessment for Cancer Early Detection (GRACE) Program.

Our team provides personalized recommendations that may include

Genetic counseling
Genetic testing
Additional screening
Referral to high-risk specialists
Or a combination of services designed to support your health and well-being.

Step 1: Share Your Health Information

As part of your regular check-in process, you will be asked a series of questions once a year about your personal and family health history.

The information you provide helps our team better understand your individual cancer risk and determine whether additional services may be beneficial for you.

Step 2: Review by Our Specialized Team

Our team reviews the information you provide to identify individuals who may benefit from additional cancer risk evaluation, prevention strategies, or early detection services.

Step 3: Receive Personalized Recommendations

Based on your personal and family history, recommendations may include:

Genetic counseling
Genetic testing
Enhanced cancer screening
Referral to a high-risk specialist
Prevention and risk-reduction education
Lifestyle and Prevention Guidance
A combination of these services

Not everyone will need the same recommendations. Our goal is to connect you with the right care at the right time based on your individual needs.

Hereditary Cancer Can Affect Anyone

Most cancers occur by chance, but some are caused by inherited genetic changes passed through families.

Hereditary cancer syndromes can increase the risk for:

Breast cancer
Ovarian cancer
Colorectal cancer
Endometrial (uterine) cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Prostate cancer
Melanoma
Gastric cancer
Kidney cancer
Other cancers

Your family history can help identify these risks and guide prevention strategies.

Who Should Consider a Risk Assessment

Individuals receiving care at participating AdventHealth locations across Central Florida may be offered a personalized cancer risk assessment.

You may benefit from the GRACE Program if you:

Have multiple family members with cancer
Have relatives diagnosed at younger ages
Have a known genetic mutation in the family
Have concerns about your inherited cancer risk
Have questions about cancer prevention or screening
Are interested in understanding whether hereditary factors may affect your health
Want to learn proactive strategies for prevention

Patients who are actively under the care of an oncologist for a cancer diagnosis or who are under the care of a high-risk cancer specialist are already receiving the best recommendations based on their specific health needs and do not need the GRACE Program services.

Who can join the program?: Women and Men ages 18-84 who are scheduled for a mammography appointment, colonoscopy appointment, and/or primary care appointment at one of our locations/clinics within AdventHealth.
Why are you looking at cancers that may have a hereditary cause, like breast and colon cancers?: Some inherited gene changes greatly increase a person's chance of developing certain types of cancer. For example, people who have a BRCA2 or BRCA2 gene mutation have a high risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Another inherited condition, called Lynch Syndrome, can raise the risk of several cancers including colon, uterine, stomach, liver, kidney and brain cancers. Please with Lynch Syndrome may develop these cancers at a younger age. Knowing these risks can help people and their healthcare providers make better informed decisions about screening, prevention and early detection.
Why is early detection so important?: Early detection of cancer is associated with better health outcomes and lower cost of care to the patient. Additionally, if genetic testing shows that a patient has a higher chance to develop cancer, the patient has the opportunity to alert first-degree relatives (such as parents, children, siblings) to let them know about their potential to carry the same hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome.
If I have breast cancer or colon cancer, could I pass this on to my children?: If you are found to have a hereditary predisposition to develop breast cancer, each of your children will have a 50 percent chance of having it.
Will I get billed for the DNA analysis testing?: If your healthcare provider orders genetic testing as part of your care, it is billed like any other medical test.
Most patients pay $100 or less out of pocket for genetic testing. If you have a high deductible or do not have insurance, our genetic laboratory partners offer a self-pay option of $250. They also offer patient assistance programs.
You will be able to speak to the genetic laboratory directly to discuss any out-of-pocket costs.
If DNA analysis testing indicates a potential future “pre-existing condition”, will it affect my chances of obtaining insurance in the future?: A federal law called the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) makes it illegal for health insurance companies, group health plans, and most employers to discriminate against you based on your genetic information, but GINA does not apply to life insurance, long-term care insurance, or disability insurance. More information about GINA is available at http://www.genome.gov/.

There is also Florida law that prohibits your genetic information from being used to grant or deny certain insurances, employment, mortgage, loan, credit or educational opportunities. However, a diagnosis made from your DNA analysis test results may have an effect on your access to certain insurance or insurance rates. For example, a life insurance company may consider a medical diagnosis in your medical record, even if the diagnosis was based on the results of a DNA analysis. Please know that AdventHealth and your physician(s), as your health care provider, will not use your genetic information for any of these purposes. Laws against genetic discrimination may not apply to the military.
If I have breast cancer, can my children be denied medical or insurance coverage?: Your family is protected by the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA).
Are you going to sell my DNA to other companies?: No, we are not going sell your DNA to other companies.

Your DNA analysis test results and other health information about you may be used and shared with others as allowed by federal and state privacy laws for:

Treatment you receive from healthcare providers.

Payment to AdventHealth, your physician(s) and the laboratory by health plans or other payers for your treatment.

Health care operations of AdventHealth, your physician(s) or the laboratory. For example, health care operations include reviewing what went well with your treatment and what needs to be improved, as well as creating de-identified information that may be used and shared with others as allowed by law.

Please review the AdventHealth Joint Notice of Privacy Practices for more details about how your health information may be used and shared with others and how you may request restrictions.
How do you de-identify and use my de-identified DNA analysis test results?: Your privacy is protected. Your name and other personal information is removed from your DNA test results before being used for research.
When many people choose to share this de-identified information, researchers can learn more about how certain genes may be linked to different health conditions. This research may help improve cancer screening, prevention and treatment for future patients.
If I have further questions regarding the DNA Analysis testing, who may I speak with?: Speak with your physician or genetic counselor who is performing your procedure or ordering the DNA analysis test. If you have additional questions about the clinical program, please contact our care navigator at Call407-440-1394.

Understand Your Cancer Risk and Take Charge of Your Health

The Genomics and Risk Assessment for Cancer Early Detection Program

How GRACE Works

Your Grace Program Journey

Hereditary Cancer Can Affect Anyone

Who Should Consider a Risk Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

Understand Your Cancer Risk and Take Charge of Your Health

The Genomics and Risk Assessment for Cancer Early Detection Program

How GRACE Works

GRACE Program Video

Your Grace Program Journey

Hereditary Cancer Can Affect Anyone

Who Should Consider a Risk Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions