Am I required to have genetic testing if I see a genetic counselor?

No. Genetic counseling involves a detailed evaluation of your family history and family medical records as well as education about hereditary cancer. Following the initial consultation, some people decide to pursue genetic testing to learn more about the level of cancer risk in their family. Others learn that their family history is not suggestive of an inherited predisposition, or they choose to not pursue genetic testing at this time. These families can still benefit from receiving education about cancer risk, as well as personalized cancer screening and prevention guidelines.

Why is genetic counseling an important part of genetic testing?

The genetic tests that are currently available cannot explain the strong history of cancer in many families. It is important to document the family history in detail so we can provide recommendations for early detection or prevention of cancer, even when genetic testing is not informative. Genetic counseling also addresses important aspects of testing, such as the implications and options for the patient and the impact on family members.

What can I do if I learn I have an increased chance of getting cancer?

There are a variety of options available to people who have an increased chance of cancer based on their family history or genetic testing results. These include increased surveillance or monitoring, chemoprevention — including medications that reduce the chance of cancer — and risk-reducing surgery. There are also new methods of cancer detection and prevention that are being developed, some of which are available as clinical trials. All of these options can be discussed in detail at your visit.

I've already had cancer. What can I learn from genetic counseling?

People who have already had cancer may learn about steps they can take to detect or reduce the chance of other cancers. For example, a hereditary predisposition to breast cancer can be associated with an increased chance of ovarian cancer . Genetic counseling will also provide information about whether other family members have an increased chance of developing cancer. There are steps they can take to detect cancer early or prevent it from occurring.

What about insurance discrimination and confidentiality?

There are laws in California and most other states preventing health insurers from using genetic testing results to discriminate against individuals. This means that a health insurer cannot raise your rates, drop your coverage or deny you coverage based on the results of genetic testing. In addition to the existing legal protection, the Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program has multiple procedures in place to protect the confidentiality of your genetic counseling and genetic testing information. All of our records, including genetic test results, are kept separate from your UCSF medical chart. None of this information will be released without your written consent.

Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program

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The UCSF Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program is a comprehensive genetic counseling service for families with a history of cancer. It is the largest genetic testing center for cancer in Northern California.

Our genetic counselors provide information about hereditary cancers as well as an assessment of your personal and family history and, when appropriate, genetic testing for cancer predisposition. Counselors and doctors use the findings, along with other cancer risk factors, to design an individualized risk management program for you that includes recommendations for cancer screening and options for preventive measures.

For more information, please visit our FAQ about cancer genetic testing and prevention.

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Cancer Center Redwood City

2900 Whipple Ave., Suite 130
Redwood City, CA 94062

Patient education

Taking Charge: If You Are at High Risk for Ovarian Cancer

If you have an increased risk of ovarian cancer, your doctor may periodically order a blood test that has shown usefulness in finding epithelial ovarian cancer.

FAQ: Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer

Do you have a family history of cancer? Genetic counselors can help you understand your cancer risk and make recommendations for screening tests and preventive treatments.

Hereditary Cancer Risk Calculator

To help patients determine if genetic testing is right for them, UCSF cancer experts developed a tool for patients to assess their hereditary cancer risk.

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Liana Smolich

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Genetic counselor

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Related clinics

Adult Genetics and Preventive Genomics Clinic

1825 Fourth St.
San Francisco, CA 94158

(415) 476-2757

M-F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Hereditary Cancer Clinic

Bakar Precision Cancer Medicine Building

See both of our San Francisco locations.

(415) 353-9797

UCSF-John Muir Health Cancer Center in Berkeley

Berkeley Outpatient Center

3100 San Pablo Ave., Suite 280
Berkeley, CA 94702

(510) 420-8000

M-F, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

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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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Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program

Virtual visits

Required forms

Our locations

Other UCSF cancer care options near you (1)

Cancer Center Redwood City

Cancer Center Redwood City

Patient education

Hereditary Cancer Risk Calculator

Our team

Elizabeth Lynn

Amie M. Blanco

Lauren Bowling

Ashlie Browning

Nicola Cadenas

Caitlin Castanzo

Sarah Ertan

Miya M. Frick

Laurel Hochstetler

Julie Mak

Christina Pedley

Bethan Powell

Margalit Rosenblatt

Katherine Ross

Liana Smolich

Joyce So

Barry Tong

Adrienne Wakeling

Miya M. Frick

Katherine Ross

Barry Tong

Nicola Cadenas

Christina Pedley

Liana Smolich

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