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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:

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

  • UCSF-Helen-Diller-Family-Comprehensive-Cancer-Center-Research-2x

    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.

  • UCSF-Center-for-BRCA-Research-2x

    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

  • U S News and World Report badge recognizing UCSF among the Best Hospitals for Cancer, 2024-2025

    Best in Northern California and No. 7 in the nation for cancer care

  • U S  News and World Report badge recognizing UCSF as part of its 2024 to 2025 Honor Roll

    Among the top hospitals in the nation

Accreditations & memberships

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

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    Support services

    Support Group

    Art for Recovery

    Creativity can help people with serious illnesses cope, heal and express what they're going through. Find out about our program and how to join.

    Fitness

    Cancer Exercise Counseling

    Our one-on-one exercise training sessions, customized for your needs and abilities, can complement other cancer treatments and speed your recovery.

    Patient Resource

    Cancer Nutrition Counseling

    UCSF Health offers free nutrition counseling to our patients with cancer, as well as nutrition seminars that are open to anyone. Learn more.

    Support Group

    Cancer Support Groups

    These groups offered by the Ida and Joseph Friend Patient and Family Cancer Support Center are free and available to all patients, whether or not you get your health care at UCSF.

    Fitness

    Core & More Class for Cancer Patients

    A strong body helps you fight cancer and enjoy life. Join this class to stabilize your core, strengthen your muscles and improve overall fitness. For cancer patients and caregivers!

    Patient Resource

    Friend to Friend Specialty Shops

    A one-stop boutique for patients with cancer. Get professional help with wigs, prostheses, sun-protective clothing, makeup, skin care and more.

    Class

    Meditation & Guided Imagery for Cancer Patients

    Drop in for a free class designed to help you heal, relax and find balance during your treatment. UCSF and non-UCSF patients are welcome.

    Patient Resource

    Oncology Social Work

    Social workers offer support, problem-solving, help accessing UCSF cancer-related resources and more. Find out how to contact the social worker for your clinic.

    Patient Resource

    Patient & Family Cancer Support Center

    The center offers wellness programming, community, support groups, classes, workshops and more at no cost to people facing cancer and their loved ones.

    Support Group

    Peer Support Programs for Cancer

    Patients are matched with peer support volunteers according to criteria such as diagnosis, cancer stage, age or gender. Speak to someone who's "been there."

    Preparing for your appointment

    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

    International Services

    If you live outside the United States and are coming to UCSF for medical treatment, our patient liaisons can help coordinate all aspects of your visit.

    Learn more

    Interpreting Services

    UCSF offers interpreters in various languages, including American Sign Language (ASL), as well as services for deaf, hard-of-hearing and visually impaired patients.

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    Hospital Stays

    Make your hospital stay as smooth and comfortable as possible by finding out how to prepare and what to expect.

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    See our top 10 tips for making your UCSF doctor’s appointment as stress-free and productive as possible.

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