Photo Caption: Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider, MD—San Francisco internist and jscreen.org board member—shares how hereditary testing saves lives during National Cancer Survivors Month
Shoshana Ungerleider is many things: an internal medicine physician, a science journalist, a San Francisco resident, a host and producer of TED Health, and founder of End Well, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reshaping society’s perception and approach to the end of life. These credentials arguably make Ungerleider as much of an expert on death and dying as one could be. But when her father, Steven Ungerleider, was diagnosed with terminal cancer in the summer of 2022, nothing could have prepared her for the devastating effect that cancer can have on families.
In the case of Ungerleider’s father, testing showed that his cancer was linked to a BRCA genetic mutation, making it a prime treatment candidate for newly discovered therapies. While this was incredible news for her father’s well-being, it also meant that she and her sister were both at risk of inheriting the same genetic mutation and developing cancer. As an experienced physician, Ungerleider knew that her best chance at early detection and cancer prevention was to gain a better understanding of her genetic risk through cancer genetic testing.
“Cancer genetic testing may have saved my life,” says Ungerleider. “I tested positive for the same BRCA mutation as my father. Thanks to this knowledge, I was able to take the steps I needed to protect my health and my future.”
Ungerleider’s story is far from the only one of its kind. June is National Cancer Survivors Month, and it’s a time when stories like Ungerleider’s reach those who may not otherwise hear them.
Like many people, Ungerleider’s personal experience inspired her to take action by becoming a passionate advocate for cancer prevention and genetic testing. Ungerleider, a San Francisco local, has previously worked with charities such as the Young Professionals’ Advisory Council at Family House, a free home away from home for children undergoing treatment for cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. She also served on the Board of Directors of Room That Rock 4 Chemo, a non-profit that renovates chemo treatment rooms to spread a little joy during the difficult process of chemotherapy.
One of Ungerleider’s current projects is a podcast called Before We Go, in which she shares her family’s story and her experience with genetic testing in greater depth. She serves as creator, host, and producer of the podcast, which has been nominated for a Webby award and won a New York Radio Award in May 2025.
Her experience with cancer genetic testing also led Ungerleider to serve on the Board of Directors for jscreen, a national non-profit public health initiative dedicated to preventing genetic diseases and cancer through access to affordable, at-home genetic testing. By ordering a saliva-based testing kit from jscreen.org, individuals can receive a screening for genetic mutations commonly associated with certain illnesses and cancers. jscreen delivers the results alongside a personalized counseling session, where a genetic counselor will go over the results and help the individual determine next steps.
“jscreen makes it simple and affordable to get tested for hereditary cancer risk,” says Dr. Shoshana Ungerleider. “With their easy at-home testing and access to personalized genetic counseling, you can better understand your risk and take proactive steps toward cancer prevention or early detection.”
jscreen offers three forms of genetic testing:
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A Reproductive Carrier Screen that identifies couples who are at risk of passing inherited conditions to their children. The panel examines genetic mutations associated with more than 260 diseases, such as Tay-Sachs disease, cystic fibrosis, and sickle cell disease.
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A Hereditary Cancer Test that screens 48 genes, including BRCA genes, associated with hereditary cancer risk. In addition to informing individuals of their own risk of developing cancer, this screening alerts them to their ability to pass on inherited genetic risk to their children.
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A Combo Bundle that includes both tests, as well as access to jscreen’s genetic counselors and care navigators throughout the testing process.
Like Ungerleider’s father, many men have faced traumatizing cancer diagnoses and other health issues during their lifetime. In addition to being National Cancer Survivors Month, June is also Men’s Health Month, making it important to acknowledge the health risks facing men in today’s day and age. Prostate cancer is one of the most common ailments facing men in later years of their lives, and the topic was recently spotlighted by President Biden’s diagnosis of prostate cancer. What many people may not know is that about 5-10% of prostate cancer cases are hereditary, making genetic testing for prostate cancer risk a critical tool in one’s healthcare arsenal.
With Men’s Health Month underway, experts are urging men to receive regular medical checkups and early screenings, avoid risk factors such as alcohol use and smoking, and embrace exercise and other healthy lifestyle choices. By following these suggestions and pursuing genetic testing, men and women alike can gain a full understanding of their inherited genetic risk and be empowered in making healthcare decisions for themselves and their families.
It took Shoshana Ungerleider’s father receiving a devastating diagnosis to lead her to a better understanding of her own cancer risk. This National Cancer Survivors Month, let her story and the story of the thousands of men and women who’ve been affected by cancer be the catalyst to take action. To learn more about jscreen and cancer genetic testing or to order a testing kit, visit jscreen.org today.
*The SF Weekly newsroom and editorial were not involved in the creation of this content.