Hereditary Cancer Program
The Kaiser Permanente Hereditary Cancer Program (HCP) is for our members who have an inherited cancer risk. The program serves people who have had cancer, as well as people who have not had cancer. Our goal is to help reduce the risk of future cancers. The Hereditary Cancer Program was awarded the Sydney R. Garfield Exception Contribution Award in 2019.
Click here to watch the 5-minute video about this unique program.
The first step is to talk with a genetic counselor to determine your cancer risk. After your Genetics visit, you may be referred to an HCP center:
1. If you carry a genetic variant that increases your risk for cancer.
OR
2. If there appears to be an inherited cancer risk in your family (even without genetic testing).
Our program has a care team of experts in many areas of medical care, including genetic counselors, breast surgeons, gynecologic surgeons, plastic surgeons, and other support staff. This program lets you get answers and save time by meeting with a team of experts in one visit. Our team will guide you through decisions about cancer screening and treatment and help you to get the information you need to make the best plan for you. We also offer the support you need to move forward.
- Click here for our Welcome booklet: Your Guide to the Hereditary Cancer Program (pdf)
Before your appointment, the care team will meet to review your chart and discuss your medical history.
Checking in – When you get to the clinic or start your video visit, our friendly staff will check you in and go over the plan for your appointment. The visit may last up to 2 hours, depending on how many team members you are scheduled to see. 
Meeting with your care team – You’ll meet individually with members of your care team. Cancer prevention and risk-reducing strategies will be discussed based on your needs and preferences. You might meet with:
• A gynecologist or gynecologic oncologist who will discuss cancer screening and risk-reducing options, which may include surgery. In-person visits may also include a pelvic exam.
• A breast surgeon who will discuss cancer screening and risk-reducing options, which may include surgery. In-person visits may also include a breast exam.
• A plastic surgeon who will discuss reconstruction options if you are considering a mastectomy. In-person visits may also include a breast exam.
• A genetic counselor who will review your cancer risk and explain how this risk can affect your family.
• Other caregivers who may include a nurse practitioner, resident, or physician assistant.
All of these medical professionals have special knowledge and experience to help you make informed decisions about your medical care.
At the end of your visit – Your team will review your custom care plan. You will not need to decide about treatment that day. You can use the information you learn to start thinking about your choices. When it comes to managing cancer risk, one size does not fit all. A care plan is created based on your needs and personal preferences. Our team will guide you through decisions about cancer screening and treatment. We want you to feel confident in your care plan.
We will help with your questions. Common concerns include fertility options, menopause symptom management, and body image changes with preventative surgery. You may also find it helpful to meet with experts in these areas. Your personal doctor will get a copy of the care plan. If you wish, we can also refer you to a wellness coach, nutritionist, social worker, or financial consultant.
Your care plan will include:
• A personalized schedule for cancer screening
• Risk-reduction options and recommendations
• Resources to take home
• Future appointments
There are 6 Kaiser Permanente Hereditary Cancer Program Centers in Northern California. You can choose the location closest to you. We recommend an in-person visit if you need a physical exam. For video visits, check with the clinic coordinator.
Click here for
Contact information
|
HCP Center
|
Contact |
Telephone |
Lead |
|
Fresno
Palm 3 |
Rosa Granado |
559-448-5152 |
Amanda Reeve MD |
|
San Francisco
2nd floor |
Crisgel Basconcillo |
415-833-4199 |
Christine Garcia MD |
|
Oakland
|
Tracy D. Chan RN |
510-752-7447 |
Veronica Shim MD |
|
San Jose
|
Breast Care Coordinator |
408-972-6010 |
Amanda Graff-Baker MD |
|
Vallejo
Medical Office Building 2nd Floor, 201 |
Breast Care Coordinator |
707-651-4712 |
Gillian Kuehner MD |
|
Sacramento
Plastic Surgery Dept 2E- 2nd Floor |
Beth Ann Burt, MS, LCGC |
916 614-4075 |
Kelly Mccue MD |
We get input from a patient advisory board to make sure our services meet our patients’ needs. The advisory board is an active group of KP members who have been through our program.
Call Crisgel Basconillo at 415-833-4199 to learn more about becoming an advisor, or click here for a flyer with more details.
Many providers on our team are involved in national and international studies looking for new ways to screen for cancer or reduce cancer risk. Some people may choose to take part in these research studies.
Here are some examples:
• MRI surveillance for women at increased risk for breast cancer
• Breast cancer in men
• Removal of fallopian tubes (with delayed removal of ovaries) for ovarian cancer prevention
• New screening markers for ovarian cancer
Cancer Resources
A patient’s story: Courageously facing a family history of breast cancer
General Resources:
Kaiser Permanente Health Education & Wellness: We offer a variety of classes, personalized coaching, and online programs – designed to help you move more, maintain a healthy weight, stress less, eat better, and be healthy at every stage of life.
SUPPORT GROUPS
Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE)
Provides support, education, and awareness to help those facing hereditary breast, ovarian, and related cancers. Has a free Peer Navigation Program that connects you with someone who shares a similar journey.
- FORCE guide to sharing genetic test results with relatives: The Genes Between Us
Bright Pink
A national nonprofit organization focused on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women. Bright Pink offers both one-on-one peer support and an online support community for cancer survivors and women
at increased risk of cancer.
Bay Area Cancer Connections
Offers one-on-one support, social activities, and a variety of support groups for people affected by breast or ovarian cancer. Provides access to breast-screening MRIs at no cost to income-eligible people in the Bay Area. The Buddy Program connects cancer survivors with someone who’s had a similar diagnosis or treatment experience.
AliveAndKickn
A national organization that supports individuals and families affected by Lynch syndrome. AliveAndKickn offers peer-to-peer support for the Lynch syndrome community.
Bay Area Young Survivors
baysnet.org
baysnet.org
Support and action group for young people in the SF Bay Area who are living with breast cancer. Through monthly support group meetings, an online network, and community-building events, BAYS is a community built on compassion, understanding, hope, and inspiration, with the goal to share information, experiences, and resources.
*Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the organizations mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.