TGH Cancer Institute | Cancer Center of South Florida (CCSF) now offers a genetics program for patients in Palm Beach and Martin counties who wish to take a proactive stance to determine their risk for cancer. The Hereditary Cancer Prevention & Risk Program is available to:
- Anyone with active cancer
- Those previously diagnosed with cancer
- Those with a family history of cancer
The program is led by hereditary risk counselor, Catherine Marinak, APRN, MSN, AOCNP, a nurse practitioner with an advanced specialization in cancer risk assessment. Each patient starts the program with an in-depth consultation with Marinak to discuss and review their family’s medical history. From there, she evaluates if the patient will benefit from a personalized, high-risk assessment and possible testing.
What Does the Assessment Include?
If it’s determined that the patient should pursue a full risk assessment and/or genetic testing, the program includes:
- Discussion of the various genetic testing options
- A review of the benefits of testing, including insurance coverage and confidentiality
- Helping patients decide if genetic testing is right for them
- Explaining the genetic testing process
- Discussing medical management options based on family history and/or testing results
- Addressing the emotional impact of cancer risk information on individuals and their families
Moving Forward with Genetic Testing
For patients who proceed with genetic testing, Tampa General’s experienced and compassionate team will explain their results clearly and understandably to help determine the next steps for the patient and their family. Tampa General works with a team of multidisciplinary specialists to help reduce your cancer risk or to detect and treat cancer early if there are treatment options available.
Specialists may suggest genetic testing if a patient’s family members have had one of the following:
- A cancer diagnosis before age 50
- Multiple cancer diagnoses
- Several relatives with similar cancers
- Ovarian, pancreatic or high-risk prostate cancer
- Rare cancers such as male breast cancer, adrenocortical carcinoma or pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma
- Family members with a genetic test result that indicates an increased cancer risk
“Through this program, we’re giving patients and their families the knowledge and support they need to take control of their health,” said Marinak, director of Hereditary Risk Assessment & Early Detection at the TGH Cancer Institute | CCSF. “By understanding genetic risks, we can take meaningful steps toward preventing cancer or catching it early, when treatment has the greatest impact. If a patient decides to pursue genetic testing, our team will be there to guide them every step of the way.”
Board certified in oncology, Marinak earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University, and her Master of Science in Nursing from Florida Atlantic University, where she completed a thesis on cancer survivorship. She enhanced her specialization in cancer risk assessment and hereditary cancer counseling through advanced training at renowned institutions such as Fox Chase Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School and City of Hope. Marinak is an active member of the Oncology Nursing Society and the International Society of Nurses in Genetics, where she serves on the education board. She joined TGH Cancer Institute | CCSF in early 2025.
“Our Hereditary Cancer Prevention & Risk Program complements the game-changing, academic-based care we provide to our patients,” said Dr. Abraham Schwarzberg, executive vice president, chief of oncology at Tampa General Hospital and TGH Cancer Institute | CCSF; president, Tampa General Provider Network; and co-vice president, clinical and translational research, TGH | USF Health Office of Clinical Research. “Cathy is a dedicated, knowledgeable and compassionate clinician. We’re thrilled to have her helm this program.”
The Hereditary Cancer Prevention & Risk Program reflects the partnership between TGH Cancer Institute and CCSF, which has offered exceptional, academic-level care to patients in Palm Beach and Martin counties since 2020. Led by a dedicated team that provides personalized patient care and state-of-the-art treatments, patients also benefit from access to Tampa General, an academic health system with multidisciplinary experts, advanced clinical trials and comprehensive support services.
TGH Cancer Institute has been named Top 10% in the Nation for Cancer Care by U.S. News & World Report’s 2025-26 Best Hospitals, and is named one of America’s Best Cancer Hospitals by Newsweek for 2025. The institute is accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer accreditation and certified by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) for meeting the strict standards required by the society’s Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI) program.
The Hereditary Cancer Prevention & Risk Program is offered at TGH Cancer Institute | CCSF’s locations in Palm Beach Gardens and Palm Springs, Florida. Referring physicians can call (561) 221-2660 for more information.
