In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Counsyl launches “Get Ahead of Cancer SF” to help identify women at risk of inherited cancers

Counsyl, a health technology company that offers DNA screening for diseases that can impact women, men, and their children, is offering all women working and living in the San Francisco Bay Area a free inherited cancer genetic screening in October and November. In collaboration with UCSF, “Get Ahead of Cancer SF” offers women in the area a free-of-charge Counsyl Inherited Cancer Screen, a genetic test that identifies BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, among others, that are associated with higher risks of inherited breast, ovarian and gynecological cancer. To amplify the “Get Ahead of Cancer SF” message, Counsyl is also teaming up with Bright Pink, a national nonprofit on a mission to save women’s lives from breast and ovarian cancer by empowering them to live proactively at a young age.

“We are pleased to work with Counsyl as a partner in bringing low-cost testing to women because of their proven commitment to quality results, physician involvement, and patient education” – Dr. Pam Munster, a breast cancer specialist at UCSF

“Finding out you have a greater-than-average risk of cancer can be nerve-wracking, but it can also give you the chance to do something about it, like work with your doctor to develop a prevention or treatment program,” said Kaylene Ready, Director of Inherited Cancer at Counsyl. “Our ‘Get Ahead of Cancer SF’ program is about giving women access to information and the ability to potentially stop cancer in its tracks.”

The screening process is simple. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, women in the San Francisco Bay Area will be able to request a Counsyl screen through the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center or participating local OB/GYNs. Patients submit either a saliva or blood sample to Counsyl and receive their results within two weeks. Following the free screening, women will have access to on-demand genetic counseling with one of Counsyl’s board-certified genetic counselors. The counseling team has engaged in more than 10,000 hours of genetic counseling sessions to date and helps patients understand their results quickly, so they are empowered to make informed decisions about their health.