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.

10/07/2026

Carolyn Searles (pictured second from left) and her husband, Andrew, live in the suburbs of Philadelphia with their daughter and son. In 2019, genetic testing showed that Carolyn's sister carried an inherited BRCA1 mutation, which increases the risk for a number of cancers, including breast and ovarian cancers.

The finding prompted the entire family to undergo genetic testing. Carolyn, her other sister, and her father also tested positive, explaining the family’s history of cancer. Her father had prostate cancer, and her aunt had been diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer three times.

Although she was hesitant at first, Carolyn eventually underwent a preventive double mastectomy in 2021. Then, just after her 36th birthday while she was pregnant with her second child, she discovered a golf ball–sized lump in her armpit. Within days, an ultrasound and biopsy confirmed stage IIB triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive subtype often associated with BRCA1 mutations. “The world stopped,” she recalled.

Carolyn is pictured with Robert Vonderheide, MD, DPhil, director of the Abramson Cancer Center and president-elect of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), and her sisters, Emily Smith and Julia Straube.


09/15/2026

If you’ve been putting off that genetic counseling appointment, this is your reminder: you don’t have to figure it all out at once. You just have to take the next step 💕

PART 4 of 4

09/10/2026

Cancer was discovered during a procedure Leigh had chosen to help prevent it.

Ovarian cancer is difficult to detect at an early stage. During her preventative surgery as a BRCA1 mutation carrier, Leigh’s doctor found and ultimately removed Stage 3B ovarian cancer.

This is why knowing your BRCA status, understanding your hereditary cancer risk, and creating a plan that works best for you matters.

PART 3 of 4

09/08/2026

“I almost waited.”

A 15-minute doctor appointment changed Leigh’s timeline abruptly when an earlier opening for preventative surgery became available. She then had a decision to make: wait, or act now.

PART 2 of 4

09/01/2026

“I almost waited.”

Leigh knew she carried a BRCA mutation since 2015. Years later when she finally felt ready to learn more about her options, she scheduled an appointment with the Basser Center at Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center.

While meeting with Dr. Stefan Gysler about her preventative options, an opening in his surgery schedule became available just two weeks later. After some hesitation on making this decision with such a quick turnaround, she decided to take it.

During her preventative surgery, Leigh’s doctor unexpectedly discovered Stage 3B ovarian cancer and was able to remove it all.

Leigh’s story is a powerful reminder that knowing your risk can give you the opportunity to make informed decisions about your health. She almost waited to go through the surgery, but sometimes taking that next step sooner can be life-saving.

Listen to Leigh’s story and share with a loved one as a reminder to learn their family health history, understand their genetics and potential hereditary cancer risk, or finally make that appointment 💕

09/01/2026

Leigh knew she carried a BRCA1 mutation since 2015.

Genetic testing gave her the information, but really understanding her hereditary cancer risk and deciding what to do next were two things that she was nervous to learn more about.

Years after her testing, she found her way to the Basser Center Penn Medicine and ultimately took the next steps in her care with Dr. Stefan Gysler.

Her story is a reminder that there isn’t always one perfect moment to do something scary, but making the decision to finally take that next step could be life-saving.

PART 1 of 4

08/11/2026

The itinerary:
✅ Discuss our family health history
✅ Meet with your genetic counselor
✅ Get genetic testing done
✅ Review your test results with your genetic counselor

08/03/2026

Take a look inside Cate’s summer at Basser focused on the patient-facing experience!

As a Penn State student studying Biobehavioral Health, she joined our Summer Scholars Program to explore cancer genetics and gain clinical counseling experience as she works toward her goal of becoming a genetic counselor.

07/29/2026

Dilsi’s day in the lab! 🧬

As a rising junior at UC Berkeley with a passion for structural biology and therapeutic development, she joined the Basser Center this summer to experience how research and clinical care come together to advance cancer treatment.

She says, “I’ve loved deepening my research into tumor suppressor mechanisms while seeing firsthand how lab-based discoveries translate into meaningful targeted therapies.” Follow along for a day in her life at Basser!

07/28/2026

Lights! Camera! Take ACTION 🎬

Having a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation does not guarantee a cancer diagnosis. It means you have the information needed to take preventative action.

Understanding your lifetime cancer risk with a BRCA gene mutation can open the door to genetic testing, enhanced screening, preventative care, and more informed decisions about your health.

Address

3400 Civic Center Boulevard
Philadelphia, PA
19104

Telephone

+12156622748

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