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Medical Genetics

Cancer Genetics & Prevention Program

A family has an unusually high incidence of cancer and of subtle birth defects affecting the muscles and bones or the face, head and neck. Is there a genetic connection between the cancer and the defects?

Our Cancer Genetics & Prevention Program in San Francisco was established to find out if and when there is such a link. The program's doctors and researchers serve families who have a history of tumors called multiple neoplasias and other birth defects, including musculoskeletal anomalies and minor heart defects.

Recognizing a family history of disease is important for several reasons, including the need for timely initiation of cancer surveillance, identification of relatives at increased cancer risk and counseling for the family.

Our services

Services provided at the Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program include:

  • Comprehensive evaluations of patients and family members
  • Genetic counseling
  • Follow-up services
  • Research projects

Family members have the opportunity to enroll in research projects on the common genetic basis of cancers and birth defects.

Our locations (2)

    Our team

    Awards & recognition

    • Best in Northern California for cancer care

    • Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties

    Plan your visit

    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 child's condition
    • List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    For visitors

    Before you head to the hospital, check out our guidelines for visitors and caregivers.

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    Your Stay

    We offer valuable information to help you plan for your child's upcoming hospital stay. Find out about food services, family accommodations and more.

    Learn more
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    Your Child's Care Team

    Our doctors, nurses, child life specialists and other providers have special training to care for children. Meet your child's care team.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Learn more

    Related clinics (3)

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    Medical Genetics & Genomics Clinic

    Medical Genetics & Genomics Clinic

    San Francisco / Oakland
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    Oncology Clinic

    Oncology Clinic

    San Francisco / Oakland / Walnut Creek

    Pediatric Hereditary Cancer Clinic

    Pediatric Hereditary Cancer Clinic

    1825 Fourth St., Sixth Floor
    San Francisco, CA 94158

    Support services

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    Child Life Services

    Activity rooms, pet therapy and more to help kids feel at home.

    Child Life

    Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.

    Family Amenities

    Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.

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    Social Services

    Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.

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    Activity Rooms

    Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.

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    Art Therapy

    Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.

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    Music Therapy Program

    Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.

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    School Program

    Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.

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    School Re-Entry Program

    We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.

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    Individual Playtime & Instruction

    If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

    Family Resource Center

    We help families cope with the challenges of childhood illness and hospitalization in a relaxing environment where parents can get a much-needed break.

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    Parent Support Program

    Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.

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    Patient Relations

    Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.

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    Spiritual Care

    Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.

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    International Services

    If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.

    Our research initiatives

    • ucsf-institute-for-human-genetics-research-2x

      UCSF Institute for Human Genetics Research

      Learn more

    Translation, please

    We have interpreters for Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, Russian, American Sign Language and more.

    Request an interpreter

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