SGMC Health now offers in-house HER2 testing for breast cancer, making it the only provider within a 150-mile radius to offer this advanced diagnostic service. This announcement comes during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when SGMC Health is reinforcing its commitment to early detection, education, and access to care.
This test, called HER2 Dual In Situ Hybridization (DISH), helps doctors quickly determine whether a patient’s breast cancer is likely to respond to targeted treatments that can significantly improve outcomes.
“Before now, we had to send samples out to larger labs, which could take up to two weeks for results,” said Cindy Martin, Interim Administrative Director of Laboratory Services. “Now, we see results in just 2 to 3 business days, allowing our patients to receive treatment faster and with more confidence.”
HER2 is a gene that can cause cancer cells to grow more aggressively. If a patient’s cancer is HER2-positive, they may benefit from targeted therapies like Herceptin. The new in-house test is used when initial results are unclear and helps doctors make more accurate treatment decisions.
This service is part of SGMC Health’s commitment to providing advanced, personalized cancer care close to home. In addition to HER2 testing, SGMC Health also checks for other important markers like estrogen and progesterone receptors and Ki-67, which help guide treatment plans.
Patients who test positive for HER2 can receive expert care at Pearlman Cancer Center, SGMC Health’s nationally accredited cancer treatment center. Pearlman offers a full range of services, from diagnosis to treatment and support, all under one roof. This integrated approach ensures that patients receive timely, coordinated care without the added stress of traveling long distances.
For more information about breast cancer services at SGMC Health, visit sgmc.org.