This time of year is an opportunity to spotlight hereditary cancer, impart knowledge and save lives. Thirteen years ago, US Congress unanimously passed a resolution (H. Res. 1522) to establish the first-ever National Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Week and National Previvor Day. Now, over a decade later, many advocate all Hereditary Cancers deserve greater awareness. 

The UCSF Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program joins FORCE, a patient advocacy group, in dedicating this week to bring awareness to Hereditary Cancer. National Hereditary Cancer Week is a time to acknowledge and honor everyone with a genetic mutation that increases their cancer risk, as well as the families and caregivers that support them. This includes people with Lynch syndrome or an inherited mutation in BRCA1/2, ATM, BRIP1, CHEK2, PALB2, PTEN, RAD51C/D or other gene associated with hereditary cancer. If you are a hereditary cancer survivor, previvor, caregiver or family member, this week is about honoring you and sharing information to help others who may be at an increased risk.   

This year, National Hereditary Cancer Week is September 24 – September 30, and National Previvor Day is September 27. Join the UCSF Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program in honoring this special time. The UCSF Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program and their many clinician and research partners are excited to draw attention to this very important topic.

If this has you thinking about your potential at-risk patients or if you'd like to find out more, please check out the following resources and clinics: http://cancer.ucsf.edu/