SM Gavini Center for Cancer Prevention
Located in the Assarian Cancer Center
Hours
Monday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Thursday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Appointments
What type of appointment would you like to book?
Cancer screenings and prevention
Our cancer specialists at the SM Gavini Center for Cancer Prevention help connect the community with resources focused on the importance of cancer prevention. Services include:
- Genetic testing and counseling
- Breast cancer risk assessment
- Smoking cessation
- Nutritional planning
- Healthy lifestyle and exercise
- Coordinating cancer screening tests
- Coordinating care within the Ascension Michigan Cancer Care network
Talk to us about health screenings for early cancer detection
Getting regular screenings may help find cancer early, when it is most treatable. There may be more options for treatment too. Ascension offers convenient diagnostic imaging tests, including low-dose CT lung scans, mammograms, colonoscopies and many other preventive health screenings. Our team will help connect you to the services you need when you need them.
In your 20s: Women should begin getting regular PAP tests and clinical breast exams. Men should be getting annual health screenings.
In your 30s: Women should continue getting regular clinical breast exams. They should begin getting HPV tests in addition to PAP tests. Men should continue with annual health screenings.
In your 40s: Women should begin getting regular mammograms, colonoscopies, HPV tests and PAP tests. Men should begin getting colonoscopies. Men at increased risk for prostate cancer should also begin speaking to their doctor about about PSA-based prostate cancer screening.
50 and older: Women should continue getting regular mammograms, colonoscopies, HPV tests and PAP tests or as recommended by their doctor. Men should continue getting regular colonoscopies and start or continue prostate cancer screenings. Older individuals should talk with their doctor about other screening tests.
Be sure to check with your insurance provider about your coverage for screenings and preventive care. Many of our doctors offer convenient online scheduling so you can select a day and time that’s right for you.
Our cancer prevention team
We collaborate with cancer specialists to provide education and resources focused on the most up-to-date prevention services available. We work with you one-on-one to answer any questions you may have regarding cancer and the prevention of cancer.
A legacy of serving our community
Pediatrician Dr. Vinaya Gavini and OB-GYN Dr. Lakshmi Gavini both retired from Ascension Providence Hospital after 40 years of practice. Thanks to their generous gift, the SM Gavini Center for Cancer Prevention opened in late 2020. It is dedicated to Dr. Vinaya Gavini's father Surya and mother Manga, who had seven children and worked hard to provide for their education. The Gavinis are passionate about the early detection and prevention of cancer, a holistic view of health, and empowering people to understand their own medical histories and its impact on their health. They also both believe in the important role of women in our society and the difference they can make in the health of their children, spouses, and parents.
Other resources
The following links provide educational cancer care information.
- www.cancer.org
- www.michigancancer.org/bcccp
- www.cdc.gov/cancer/cancer
- www.cancer.gov/about-cancer