Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program

We are changing the story of cancer, one family at a time. Our team helps people understand their cancer risk and take action to reduce its impact.

Why choose UCSF Health for cancer genetic counseling and testing?

Our Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program is part of UCSF Health’s Cancer Risk, Prevention and Early Detection (CRPED) initiative. It is the largest and most comprehensive genetic counseling and testing center for cancer in Northern California. We focus on patient care, education and research to serve the public and health care community.

To date, our program has helped more than 40,000 people understand their risk for cancer, enabling them to get the care and treatment they need. We provide personalized risk-assessment and management recommendations for you and your family, which can lead to better health now and for generations to come.

We’ve also pioneered research on Lynch syndrome, hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and other conditions that increase the risk for cancer. Our work has led to the development of new techniques to fight colorectal, endometrial, breast, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic and other cancers.

Multispecialty team

Our team includes genetic counselors, cancer specialists and medical geneticists with expertise in cancer risk assessment.

Education and support

We keep you up to date on our understanding of genes that predispose you to cancer, helping you prevent, detect and treat it as early as possible.

Pioneering research

Our long-term follow-up registry has helped us understand how genes affect the risk for cancer in families and improve prevention strategies.

Coordinated care

Our program gives you streamlined access to all the experts and services you need. Timely, efficient and coordinated care leads to better outcomes.

Understanding hereditary cancer

Cancer develops because of changes in genes. These changes, called mutations, might be due to aging, lifestyle, environmental exposure or other factors. In about 5% to 10% of cancers, genetic changes are inherited (passed down through families). Having an inherited gene mutation doesn’t mean you’ll get cancer, but it does increase your risk.

You or your relatives may be susceptible to hereditary cancer if you have:

• A known genetic mutation in the family linked to cancer risk
• Personal or family history of cancer
• Early-onset cancer (diagnosed before age 50)
• Multiple relatives with the same or related cancers
• Rare cancer types

What to expect

If you're concerned about your or your family's risk for cancer, or you have cancer and want further testing, we can help. Call (415) 885-7779 to get started. A referral may be required depending on your insurance coverage.

Here's what to expect:

1. Consultation. A care coordinator asks you about your health history and reasons for seeking genetic counseling. We review any past genetic tests you’ve had and schedule an appointment with a genetic counselor.
2. Genetic counseling and testing. A genetic counselor evaluates your personal risk factors for cancer and explains the risks and benefits of genetic testing for you and your family. It is always your choice if you wish to proceed with genetic testing. If you do choose to have testing, we coordinate sample collection (blood or saliva) and ensure your results are available to you and your health care team.
3. Risk-management plan. Based on the results of your test, we make personalized recommendations for you and your family. Preventive measures may include screenings, changes to your lifestyle and diet, or a referral to our specialty clinics for hereditary cancer.