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Cancer Risk, Prevention and Early Detection

Learning about your cancer risk helps you and your family make informed decisions about your health, now and in the future.

Why choose UCSF Health for a cancer risk assessment?

Experts at UCSF Health's Cancer Risk, Prevention and Early Detection (CRPED) program help you understand your cancer risk and take steps to minimize its impact on you and your family. We provide personalized assessments, genetic counseling and testing, screening recommendations and accurate, timely diagnoses. Leaders in cancer genetics.

We were among the world’s first cancer genetics and prevention programs and now have the largest cancer genetics center in Northern California.

Expert team

Experienced genetic counselors, oncologists, medical geneticists and nurse practitioners support and guide you at every step.

National recognition

UCSF Health is the top hospital in Northern California and among the best in the nation for cancer care, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Groundbreaking research

Our physicians and researchers have linked genetic mutations with more than 1,000 hereditary disorders that increase the risk of cancer.

Our CRPED initiative includes three specialized programs for people of all risk levels. We refer you to the clinic that meets your needs.

  • Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program. This program is for people with a family history of cancer or those who may have a hereditary predisposition to cancer. You can get risk assessments and genetic counseling to better understand the impact on you and your relatives.
  • Hereditary Cancer Clinic. If you have a known genetic change, called a mutation, linked to certain hereditary cancers, we provide screening plans, education about preventive care and referrals to specialists when needed.
  • Cancer Diagnostics Service. We provide comprehensive diagnostic workups for people with a suspicion of cancer or those who develop cancer at a young age. Our service streamlines the diagnostic processing, enabling you to get treatment sooner.

Resources for patients

There are many national advocacy groups and support organizations that provide in-depth information about hereditary syndromes, genetics and cancer. Browse online resources for patients and families.

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.

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 2024-2025 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.

Find a clinic (5)

    Cancer support services

    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.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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!

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    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.

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    Kôz Hospitality House

    Kôz Hospitality House provides comfortable, reasonably priced accommodations near our Parnassus campus for UCSF patients during their treatment.

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    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.

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    Neuro-Oncology Caregiver Program

    If you're caring for someone with a brain tumor, our program can help with guidance, information, resources and support at this difficult time. Find out more.

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    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.

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    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.

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    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."

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    UCSF Patient Support Corps

    Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is stressful. Get guidance, support and answers to your questions here as you consider your options and make decisions.

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    Cancer risk in children

    We offer genetic counseling and testing for children up to age 18 and their families.

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