Specialized Services

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This special clinic at UCSF Medical Center is for patients at high-risk for developing prostate cancer based on family history, African-American ethnicity, an elevated level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or a previous prostate biopsy that showed abnormalities such as atpia or prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN).

When several members of a family have cancer, particularly if diagnosed at a young age, suspicions are raised about the possibility of inherited cancer-causing genes. This is called having a "genetic predisposition" for cancer.

In some families, genetic testing may identify altered cancer predisposition genes passed from parent to child. Genetic information may help some people learn if they have an increased likelihood of developing certain cancers or if inherited factors contribute to their own cancer. Individuals who have an increased risk for cancer may take steps to reduce their risk through regular screening and prevention strategies.

The Prostate Cancer Risk and Prevention Clinic is an extension of the UCSF Cancer Risk Program.

Genetic counselors assess the personal and family history, verify cancer diagnoses, provide education and counseling, and offer genetic testing, when appropriate. Based on risk factors and genetic testing, the counselors and physicians provide an individualized risk management program that includes recommendations for preventive measures and future screening.

The clinic's services include:

• Cancer-risk assessment based on personal and family history
• Genetic counseling and education of cancer risk for patients and their families
• Screening exam and tests, as appropriate
• Development of a personalized prevention plan, in collaboration with the patient's referring doctor
• Strategies to reduce cancer-risk including lifestyle changes and diet
• Opportunity to participate in clinical trials or research on new treatments

Certain criteria may indicate a higher risk for prostate cancer. For example, African American men in general have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer than Caucasian men. Other criteria include:

• Two or more family members have prostate cancer, especially among your immediate family such as a father, son or brother
• Prostate cancer occurs in your family at age 60 or younger
• Prostate cancer occurs in your family as well as breast cancer or ovarian cancer
• Individuals in your family have more than one primary cancer diagnosis
• Individuals in your family have rare or less commonly diagnosed cancers such as breast cancer in a male
• Members in your family have known hereditary cancer syndromes

Patients are seen on Fridays. For more information, please call the clinic:

Prostate Cancer Risk and Prevention Clinic
UCSF Compehensive Cancer Center
1600 Divisadero St., Third Floor
San Francisco, CA 94115