Lisa Madlensky, PhD

Dr. Madlensky provides cancer risk assessment and genetic counseling for patients and families at the Moores UCSD Cancer Center Family Cancer Genetics Program. In addition to her clinical activities, Dr. Madlensky is a researcher at the Cancer Center, focusing on cancer prevention in those at increased risk of disease because of their family history or genetic predisposition. Her previous research has examined screening behaviors in relatives of colorectal cancer patients, and issues related to genetic testing in hereditary colorectal cancer (HNPCC) families. Currently, Dr. Madlensky is working on projects that aim to improve the collection of family history information, and examine how cancer family history information is discussed within families. She is also leading the development of the Family Cancer Genetics Program patient and family registry at UCSD. This Registry will provide individuals and family members affected by cancer to participate in new research studies, and be updated on new genetic tests that may be appropriate.

Other research areas include clinical genetic testing and follow-up for families with HNPCC and BRCA1/2 mutations, public health implications of cancer genetic testing, quality of life in those at risk for cancer, integration of cancer risk assessment into family practice, and family-level cancer prevention.