SM Gavini Center for Cancer Prevention

The SM Gavini Center for Cancer Prevention was established in 2020 by Drs. Lakshmi and Vinaya Gavini, who dedicated their medical careers to patients of Ascension (now a part of Henry Ford Health).

Over her 40 years in practice, Dr. Lakshmi Gavini observed that many patients at high risk for developing cancer eventually received a positive diagnosis. She believed it was essential for people to understand their family medical histories and how that knowledge can help prevent cancer. Upon her retirement, the Gavinis donated endowment funds to support cancer prevention education and programming. Dr. Lakshmi Gavini emphasized that physicians often focus more on treatment than on early detection and prevention, and that few resources exist to help people understand how their behaviors influence their health. The SM Gavini Center aims to change that.

Early detection saves lives.

Finding cancer early can lead to more treatment options and better outcomes.

Screenings are tailored to you.

Our team works with you to determine which screenings are right for you based on:

• Age
• Health history
• Risk factors

We make it easy.

Our dedicated prevention nurse navigator helps you:

• Understand which screenings you need
• Schedule appointments at convenient locations
• Navigate insurance and follow-up care
• Feel confident and supported throughout the process

Research shows that many cancers and other health conditions are preventable, with the American Cancer Society estimating that roughly 40–50% of cases are related to lifestyle and personal behavior choices.

This means you can influence your health outcomes through your lifestyle (even with a strong family history of disease). At the SM Gavini Center, we encourage you to learn about risks and how to adopt healthier behaviors.

We support you in developing a personalized plan focused on:

• Healthier eating
• Physical activity
• Chronic disease management
• Self-care
• Pain management
• Mental health improvement
• And more

Recommended ways to reduce cancer risk include:

• Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Engaging in regular physical activity
• Reducing intake of meat, dairy and fried or processed foods
• Attending routine medical appointments
• Staying hydrated
• Limiting sugary drinks.

We host weekly yoga classes at both center locations in Novi and Southfield. See this page’s event section for more details and contact the clinic at SMGaviniCatner@hfhs.org with additional questions.

We want to make our care accessible for every patient, which is why we are using tools like video conferencing and MyChart and have flexible scheduling and appointment options.

You can schedule an appointment with our prevention nurse navigator Carmen Stokes, Ph.D., FNP-BC, RN, CNE, LION:

• In-person
• By phone
• Virtually (telehealth)