All of this is done in an integrated manner, bringing scientists and physicians together in a common cause. Although the UCSF Cancer Center developed only in the last decade, the university has been a progressive force in cancer sciences for the past 50 years. Their Nobel Prize-winning work opened the doors for exploring the genetic mistakes that cause cancer, forming the basis for some of the most important cancer research happening today. Members of the Cancer Center collaborate under the roofs of five university facilities, two of which are dedicated solely to cancer care and research. The number of newly diagnosed cancer patients seen at four of the UCSF and UCSF-affiliated medical centers is approximately 3,200 per year.
Patients benefit dramatically from rapid access to innovative clinical research.
The work of laboratory scientists focuses on understanding normal cellular processes and replication, and discovering the underlying molecular and genetic causes of cancer when these processes go awry. UCSF Cancer Center lab researchers are committed to moving basic scientific insights beyond model systems and pursuing their relevance for cancer prevention and control. Programs in cancer epidemiology, prevention and control concentrate on the behavioral, environmental, and genetic factors that affect the risk of developing certain cancers. Researchers also look at the effectiveness of prevention strategies in the community. The CRC provides patients, their families, and others with information about medical conditions, treatment options, nutrition, pain management, stress reduction, relaxation and community resources.