Press Release

The easy-to-use quiz, developed in partnership with several multidisciplinary UC Cancer Center experts, is designed to consider a patient’s demographics, family history, and individual risk factors to provide a list of recommended screenings and information on how to make appointments with the goal of helping patients take charge of their personal health.

“At UC Health and the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, we want to empower our community members to take control of their health even before any issues arise,” said David Gius, MD, PhD, Director of the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center. “This online screening assessment makes it easy for them to know what health screenings are right for them, which encourages them to seek out those screenings and understand where their health stands.”

The screening quiz asks less than 20 questions to generate a customized list of recommended screenings along with scheduling information for each screening, simplifying the next steps for patients. Health screenings are intended for people who are not currently experiencing symptoms. Anyone can take the screening quiz to become more informed about what screenings are right for them to maintain their health.

University of Cincinnati Cancer Center physicians are on the front lines of research, driving national conversations around cancer screenings. Robert Van Haren, MD, MSPH, a thoracic surgeon at UC Cancer Center recently published research, finding that only 15% of eligible American adults have discussed lung cancer screening with their doctors.

“Cancer screenings truly save lives,” said Dr. Van Haren. “It reduces mortality by up to 30%. When we catch cancer early, it is more treatable, and patients have better outcomes and live longer.”

Many cancers often have no noticeable symptoms in their early stages, making regular screenings and knowing your individualized risk of cancer essential to staying in control of your health. The importance of this is highlighted by an increase of women under the age of 40 being diagnosed with breast cancer. According to the latest Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer, the incidence of breast cancer in females ages 15-39 years old increased by 1.2% each year from 2018 to 2022.

“With more women being diagnosed with cancer at a younger age, it’s so important for every woman to know their individual breast cancer risk,” said Alicia Heelan, MD, MS, FACS, FSSO, a breast surgical oncologist at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center. “This screening quiz can help women who may be at higher risk make that realization and take the next steps to understand that risk and develop a personalized plan for risk reduction and early detection.”

The University of Cincinnati Cancer Center's screening quiz can refer women at increased risk of breast cancer to the center's Breast Cancer Risk Assessment and Management Program (RAMP), where a multidisciplinary team can guide them through genetic testing, risk assessment, surveillance imaging and more.

To take the online screening quiz, visit: myrisk.uchealth.com.

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About the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center

Leveraging cutting-edge research, active community engagement, and a dedication to training the next generation of cancer researchers and providers, the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center is working to reduce the incidence, disparities, and societal consequences of cancer. The Cancer Center forms a formidable coalition of expertise boasting a membership of over 250 researchers and physician-scientists from the University of Cincinnati, a Top 35 public research university, UC Health, the region’s academic health center, and Cincinnati Children’s, the nation's top children’s hospital. With a robust portfolio of peer-reviewed cancer research grants, the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center stands at the forefront of discovering innovative approaches for cancer prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment and survival. 

UC Health Media Contact: 

Keera Frye
Sr. Media Relations Consultant
Keera.Frye@uchealth.com