The UCSF Center for BRCA Research and Hereditary Cancer Clinic is committed to insuring that the Jewish population is educated and enlightened about the scope of BRCA gene mutations. The research and clinical progress we are making at UCSF is unmatched - we explain and educate on aspects of genetic mutations linked to cancer risk and how to go about genetic testing, cancer screening and prevention.
Having a BRCA gene mutation doesn’t mean you have cancer, it means you’re at risk for cancer.
Learn More
Here are 3 simple ways to start understanding BRCA and learn how you can access the clinical services we offer to families:
- Read an article in The Jewish News of Northern California. Staff Writer Maya Mirsky interviews Pamela Munster, MD, Oncologist, BRCA gene mutation carrier, Breast Cancer Survivor and Co-Director for the UCSF Center for BRCA Research:
“BRCA is a type of gene that everyone has, but some people have mutations in those genes that are estimated to increase the risk of breast cancer by 60 to 80 percent and ovarian cancer by 20 to 40 percent. And certain groups — including Ashkenazi Jews — are more likely to have the mutation than others.”
Click here to check out the article.
- Consider making an appointment with the UCSF Hereditary Cancer Clinic to get genetic testing and cancer screening for yourself and your family members. Identifying Jewish men and women who have BRCA mutations through genetic testing saves lives by informing actionable cancer screening, prevention, and treatment strategies.
Watch these videos to learn how to get started:
Genetic Counseling for Hereditary Cancer Risk
Genetic Testing for Hereditary Cancer Risk
The Hereditary Cancer Clinic remains open for telehealth appointments. Genetic counseling and genetic testing services can be done remotely by video visit, from the safety of your own home.
Ready to get screened? Call us at 415-353-9797.
- Participate in research. The UCSF Center for BRCA Research conducts research through clinical trials with the goal of solving problems related to how genetic mutations affect health, who is at risk of developing cancer and why, as well as developing novel cancer treatment options for those with genetic mutations.
We are always looking for people to participate in our trials. Click here for our list of open trials and see if you’re eligible to join.
Jewish Community Events
Past Event recordings:
Hereditary Cancer and the Jewish Community of Contra Costa County: Click here to watch a recording of a recent BRCA virtual discussion and Q&A featuring UCSF Center for BRCA Research Co-Director Pamela Munster, MD, John Muir Health Genetic Counselor Josh Barnhart, Peer Advocate Raleigh Zwerin, and Aimee Sax, California Program Coordinator for Sharsheret (sharsheret.org). A transcript of the recording and genetic counseling resources for Contra Costa County, CA are also available at the link.
Temple Emanu-El San Jose: Click here to watch a recording of a recent BRCA virtual discussion and Q&A session with Temple Emanu-El in San Jose.
Congregation Beth Israel Judea San Francisco: Click here to watch a recording of a recent BRCA virtual discussion and Q&A with UCSF Center for BRCA Research Co-Director Pamela Munster, MD and Aimee Sax, California Program Coordinator for Sharsheret (sharsheret.org), in partnership with Congregation Beth Israel Judea in San Francisco.
Support our Work
Ending BRCA cancers is imperative to advancing the health of Jewish communities, families, and future generations. Your investment in our work will allow the UCSF Center for BRCA Research to accelerate our work around building partnerships to develop educational materials and programming and recruit new, dedicated UCSF physicians, researchers, and community navigators passionate about serving the Jewish community to address this urgent need.
If you are interested in making a gift, please contact Dawn Mitchell, Director of Development at [email protected] or 415-502-3417.
I truly believe BRCA research saved my life as it allowed me to take preventative action to help ensure that I will be here for my kids. Just as my family supported BRCA research for me, now we support BRCA research for the future of my kids. – UCSF Center for BRCA Research patient and donor