
Hereditary Cancer Clinic
We provide individualized care for you and your family to reduce the risk of hereditary cancer.
Why choose UCSF Health for hereditary cancer care?
If you or a member of your family carries an inherited change (mutation) in a cancer-causing gene, we can help. Our Hereditary Cancer Clinic, part of our Cancer Risk, Prevention and Early Detection (CRPED) program, is specifically designed for people with hereditary cancer risk.
Specialists across many fields work together to evaluate your risk level and design a personalized plan to minimize your chances of developing cancer. Our mission is to save lives by preventing disease or detecting it early, so you can get treatment as soon as possible.
Coordinated care
We arrange the appropriate screenings, tests and specialist referrals to provide care that’s tailored to your needs.
Groundbreaking research
We are at the forefront of research linking gene mutations with more than 100 hereditary disorders that increase the risk of certain cancers.
Newest cancer prevention and early diagnosis tools
We participate in clinical trials to give you access to promising new diagnostic tests and therapies that may not be available elsewhere.
Specialized expertise
Our clinicians consult at hereditary cancer tumor boards for breast, gynecologic, gastrointestinal and other cancers.
Hereditary Cancer Clinic services
Our breadth of expertise in hereditary cancers is unmatched in the region. We screen for and diagnose all types of genetic syndromes that can lead to higher risk of cancer (malignancy) in the family. Our clinics care for people with inherited genetic mutations that may increase the risk for many different types of cancer, enabling you to get all the services you need in one place.
Some of our areas of expertise include:
- Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome
- Hereditary melanoma
- Li-Fraumeni syndrome
- Lynch syndrome
- Neurofibromatosis
- Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome
We also specialize in specific genetic mutations, including:
- ATM
- BRCA1 and BRCA2
- CHEK2
- HBOC
- PALB2
- TP53
Our Hereditary Cancer Clinic provides:
- Genetic counseling. Certified genetic counselors evaluate your family history, explain your risk for cancer and coordinate genetic testing for you and your relatives.
- Genetic testing. We use a blood or saliva sample to find out if you have a predisposition for cancer. Your genetic counselor explains the results and guides you on next steps.
- Screenings. People with an inherited risk for cancer often need more frequent or enhanced cancer screenings. Our team manages this cancer screening, such as mammogram and breast MRI.
- Preventive cancer care. People at high risk of certain cancers may benefit from risk-reducing medication or surgery. For example, a mastectomy and chemotherapy may prevent breast cancer in people with a BRCA mutation.
- Specialist referrals. We connect you to the appropriate specialists when needed. Your providers work together to provide timely, streamlined care.
- Follow-up care. We offer the option of long-term monitoring for anyone who has an inherited risk for cancer. We update you about advances in hereditary cancer and invite you to participate in our important research.
Our research initiatives
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UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center Research
UCSF is home to a range of research initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for cancer patients everywhere. This includes research on topics such as immunotherapy, BRCA mutations and molecular diagnostic testing.
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UCSF Center for BRCA Research
UCSF's Center for BRCA Research is at the forefront of studying inherited BRCA gene mutations. In fact, we're one of only a few centers in the U.S. that integrates the latest research with patient care dedicated to hereditary cancer.
Excellence in cancer care
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Best in Northern California and No. 7 in the nation for cancer care
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Among the top hospitals in the nation
Accreditations & memberships
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National Cancer Institute
The National Cancer Institute has designated UCSF a comprehensive cancer center, its highest ranking. This designation is awarded to centers that demonstrate scientific excellence and the ability to conduct cancer research across many disciplines.
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Commission on Cancer
UCSF's cancer programs have been accredited by the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer (CoC) since 1933. The CoC is a consortium of groups dedicated to improving cancer patients' survival and quality of life via research, education and better medical care.
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National Comprehensive Cancer Network
UCSF is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the world’s top cancer centers. The network brings together leaders in treatment and research to improve the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of cancer care.
Our locations
Our team
Support services
Plan your visit
What to Bring
- Photo I.D.
- Health insurance card
- Insurance authorization, if required
- Doctor's referral, if required
- Recent test results related to your condition
- List of your medications, including dosages, plus any you're allergic to
- List of questions you may have
- Device or paper for taking notes