Patients can now discover their cancer risk through TGH’s Hereditary Cancer Prevention & Risk Program.
Palm Beach Gardens, FL – July 8, 2025 – The TGH Cancer Institute | Cancer Center of South Florida (CCSF) now offers a genetics program in Palm Beach County for patients 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, previously diagnosed with cancer, or has 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.
If it is 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.
For patients who proceed with genetic testing, TGH’s experienced and compassionate team will explain your results clearly and understandably to help determine what’s next for you and your family. TGH 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.
Genetic testing may be suggested 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 Nursing Genetics, where she serves on the education board. She joined TGH Cancer Institute | CCSF in early 2025.
“Our Hereditary Cancer Prevention and Risk Program complements the game-changing, academic-based care we provide to our patients,” says 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 is offered at TGH Cancer Institute’s locations in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., and Palm Springs, Fla. For more information, call 561-221-2260.
About TGH Cancer Institute | Cancer Center of South Florida
The partnership between Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Cancer Institute and the Cancer Center of South Florida (CCSF) offers exceptional, academic-level care to patients in South Florida and beyond. Our team, which includes renowned medical oncologists and hematologists, 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.
The TGH Cancer Institute | CCSF physicians, advanced practice providers, oncology nurses, navigators, and pharmacy staff work together to understand each individual’s condition, develop customized medical options, and determine the most effective treatment plan. Throughout the patient journey, the care team ensures that every member provides compassionate and unparalleled support, making a meaningful difference for patients and their loved ones.
Established in 2008 in Palm Beach County, CCSF partnered with TGH in 2020. This collaboration allows patients in Palm Beach County and on the Treasure Coast to receive world-class care and complex services from a central academic health system close to home. Today, TGH Cancer Institute and CCSF operate at two locations in Palm Beach County and one in Hillsborough County, with a team of more than 50 providers.
For more information, please visit cancercenterofsouthflorida.com.
