Basser Center for BRCA

Basser Center for BRCA The Basser Center for BRCA is the first comprehensive center for the research, treatment, and prevention of BRCA-related cancers.

We serve as a resource for BRCA1/2 positive individuals and families. The Basser Center for BRCA is the first comprehensive BRCA-focused center of its kind with research initiatives ranging from the basic biology of BRCA-related cancers to communication of BRCA test results within families. The Basser Center also serves as a center of excellence where BRCA1 & 2 positive individuals and their families can go for clinical care, BRCA news, clinical research opportunities, and education and support. A $25 million gift to the University of Pennsylvania from alumni Mindy and Jon Gray has established the Basser Center for BRCA, a center focused solely on the prevention and treatment of cancers that are associated with heritable BRCA mutations, which greatly increase risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Located within Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center, The Basser Center for BRCA infuses powerful resources to study BRCA1 and BRCA2 from multiple perspectives. Committed to building partnerships with national and international research and advocacy groups, the Center strives to better serve those facing hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. To promote research relevant to BRCA1 and BRCA2, the Center awards grants to University of Pennsylvania faculty members and external investigators through the Basser Center Grants program. Additionally, the Center awards the annual Basser Global Prize to an international expert and hosts educational seminars and conferences.

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about BRCA mutations. We’re separating fact from fiction:Slide 2: Genetic test...
02/18/2026

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about BRCA mutations. We’re separating fact from fiction:

Slide 2: Genetic testing can be proactive. Many people test before a diagnosis to better understand their hereditary cancer risk and plan ahead.

Slide 3: A mutation increases cancer risk. It does not guarantee a cancer diagnosis.

Slide 4: BRCA mutations can impact men, too. Men can carry the mutation, pass it on, and face increased risks for prostate, pancreatic, and male breast cancer.

Slide 5: BRCA mutations can be inherited from either parent. Both mothers and fathers can both carry and pass down a mutation to their children.

Slide 6: Many insurance plans cover genetic counseling and testing for people who meet certain criteria. There are also financial assistance programs that make testing more accessible than most people think.

02/04/2026

“You should consider genetic testing.”

Okay… but what’s next?

There’s a lot of information about genetic testing out there, and sometimes it’s hard to know what to do next. No one tells you exactly *what* to ask after the initial testing, but we’re here to help.

Save these questions for your next appointment with your genetics provider!

02/04/2026

World Cancer Day is an international day marked on Feb. 4 every year to raise awareness of cancer.

At Abramson Cancer Center, we bring together a committed team of specialists, including oncologists, surgeons, and researchers, to provide the latest advancements in cancer prevention, diagnostics, and treatment for patients diagnosed with cancer—today and every day.

Repeat 👏 after 👏 us 👏: BRCA gene mutations do NOT only affect females!!!Males can carry BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, which...
02/03/2026

Repeat 👏 after 👏 us 👏: BRCA gene mutations do NOT only affect females!!!

Males can carry BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, which increases their risks of prostate cancer, male breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and melanoma.

Genetic testing plays a critical role in early detection and informed management for families across generations.

And the crowd goes wild for Dr. Kara Maxwell!!! 👏Dr. Maxwell was nominated to represent Penn Medicine during the Univers...
01/27/2026

And the crowd goes wild for Dr. Kara Maxwell!!! 👏

Dr. Maxwell was nominated to represent Penn Medicine during the University of Pennsylvania Men’s Basketball Coaches vs. Cancer segment. She leads our Men & BRCA program, a dedicated effort focused on advancing BRCA research in males and raising awareness that inherited cancer risk affects men too. Proud to see this work spotlighted on such a big stage! 🏀💙

In 2025, the Basser Center for BRCA continued to push the field forward. From advancing early detection and cancer inter...
01/13/2026

In 2025, the Basser Center for BRCA continued to push the field forward. From advancing early detection and cancer interception to expanding research for male BRCA mutation carriers and training future leaders, our work is shaping the future of hereditary cancer care.

View the annual report that spotlights key areas of progress and impact on BRCA research: https://giving.basser.org/2024-2025-Basser-Brief-k9CfJuxlTwGm

As the year comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on all that’s been accomplished together. This year broug...
12/31/2025

As the year comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on all that’s been accomplished together. This year brought meaningful progress in research, expanded education and outreach, and continued collaboration with partners who share our mission. We’re grateful to our patients, researchers, genetic counselors, and supporters who inspire and drive this work every day. Together, we move closer to a future without BRCA-related cancers. Cheers to the year ahead!

The Basser Center team never misses an opportunity to get together and celebrate! And yes, board games are a MUST at our...
12/19/2025

The Basser Center team never misses an opportunity to get together and celebrate! And yes, board games are a MUST at our events… you have to stay competitive when you’re a part of a team whose mission is to stop cancer in its tracks 😏

Happy Holidays from our family to yours! ❄️⛄️🧬

📣 Summer Research Opportunity for UndergraduatesThe Basser Center for BRCA at Penn Medicine - Abramson Cancer Center is ...
12/18/2025

📣 Summer Research Opportunity for Undergraduates

The Basser Center for BRCA at Penn Medicine - Abramson Cancer Center is now accepting applications for its Summer Scholars Internship Program. This 8-week intensive research experience is designed for undergraduate students interested in genetics and related fields.

Students work alongside experts while gaining hands-on experience in basic science, cancer genetics, and genetic counseling across lab, classroom, and clinical research settings. This program was created to expand the pipeline of candidates with various backgrounds pursuing a career in genetic counseling, clinical genetics, nursing, and basic science.

🗓 Apply by February 3, 2026: http://spr.ly/6188CucYj

The powerful stories of nine incredible and resilient women during their breast reconstruction journeys featured in Dr. ...
12/11/2025

The powerful stories of nine incredible and resilient women during their breast reconstruction journeys featured in Dr. Jonathan Bank’s latest project Regenerate has inspired compassion and hope. Thanks to your generous support, $35,000 has been raised for research at the Basser Center for BRCA. These funds will directly advance research, prevention, and the lived experience of individuals and families navigating hereditary cancer.

Dr. Bank’s book is an artistic initiative that has already brought comfort to those navigating diagnosis, mastectomy, and recovery. It reminds them: you are seen, you are strong, you are not alone.

Visit the link in our bio to purchase your copy. 90% of proceeds support the Basser Center in helping advance research and hope.

The Basser Center honors Alan D. D'Andrea, MD, of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute with the 2025 BRCA Impact Award. D’Andrea...
11/24/2025

The Basser Center honors Alan D. D'Andrea, MD, of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute with the 2025 BRCA Impact Award. D’Andrea is internationally recognized for his BRCA research, and his work is leading to significant improvements in drug development and in clinical care for BRCA-related cancers.

He is known for unraveling the Fanconi Anemia/BRCA pathway. His laboratory made the extraordinary discovery that proteins encoded by the Fanconi Anemia genes—which are associated with rare inherited bone marrow failure syndromes—act in a common pathway that intersects with BRCA1 and BRCA2. Biomarkers for this pathway have contributed significantly to the development of new anti-cancer drugs, such as PARP inhibitors. He also discovered two critical DNA repair targets, required for the growth of BRCA1 or BRCA2-deficient tumors, leading to the development of new inhibitors currently being tested in clinical trials.

“It is my honor to receive this award from the Basser Center,” D’Andrea said. “I share the award with the families with inherited mutations BRCA1, BRCA2, and Fanconi Anemia Genes, who have been my close collaborators in my research.”

The BRCA Impact Award is generously supported by Shari Potter and Leonard Potter.

Read more: http://spr.ly/618679ekp

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3400 Civic Center Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA
19104

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+12156622748

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