The new Hereditary Cancer Programme brings together all healthcare activities related to hereditary cancer predisposition within a single structure. Its aim is to improve the identification of people at high genetic risk, enhance prevention and ensure more coordinated, equitable and personalised care for patients and their families.
Between 5% and 10% of malignant tumours are linked to inherited genetic alterations. In recent years, the increasing number of indications for genetic testing and advances in precision medicine have led to sustained growth in healthcare activity in this field.
In response to this reality, Hospital Clínic Barcelona has launched the Hereditary Cancer Clinical Programme (PCCH), a cross-disciplinary initiative that organises and integrates an activity already well established at the institution. The programme is coordinated by Dr Francesc Balaguer, Head of the Gastroenterology Department, and its secretary is Dr Teresa Ramón y Cajal, from the Medical Oncology Department.
Turning genetic risk into prevention
The programme provides a comprehensive care pathway that includes identifying individuals eligible for genetic testing, molecular diagnosis, specialised counselling, the definition of prevention and surveillance measures, and the incorporation of genetic information into clinical decision-making in the field of precision oncology.
One of the key elements of this model is the role of genetic counsellors, who support patients before and after genetic testing, explain the implications of the results and facilitate family studies when a hereditary alteration is identified. Their work helps transform genomic information into clinical decisions and prevention strategies tailored to each individual and family.
When a hereditary cancer-related alteration is identified, other family members can be tested to determine whether they are also carriers and to offer them risk-adapted surveillance programmes. This approach makes it possible to act before the disease develops and reinforces the role of prevention in hereditary cancer care. In 2025, a total of 923 germline genetic tests were performed in index cases, and 310 relatives were studied.
A cross-disciplinary and network-based programme
The programme brings together professionals from multiple specialties and services involved in the care of patients with hereditary cancer predisposition, including oncology, gastroenterology, gynaecology and dermatology, as well as molecular genetics, pathology and radiology laboratories.
The new structure is part of the Clínic Barcelona Comprehensive Cancer Centre (4CB) model and strengthens coordination among clinical services, laboratories, multidisciplinary committees and precision oncology units.
In addition, the programme works closely with Primary Care and hospitals across the region to harmonise criteria, streamline referrals and ensure equitable access to care. A shared data registry will make it possible to evaluate outcomes, promote research and advance towards a regional model of hereditary cancer care.
"Genetic information is playing an increasingly important role in both cancer prevention and treatment. Having a structured programme ensures that patients and their families receive consistent, coordinated care tailored to the needs of each case," says Dr Teresa Ramón y Cajal.
"The mission of the Hereditary Cancer Clinical Programme is to provide comprehensive, evidence-based care centred on patients and their families," says Francesc Balaguer. "Over the coming years, our goals include strengthening healthcare delivery, quality, research and innovation, as well as professional training. To achieve this, we will consolidate shared care pathways, promote molecular diagnosis and family-based prevention, and continue developing research and educational initiatives," he concludes.
