Anna Zakas, MS, MPH, LGC

Anna Zakas, MS, MPH, is a UW Health certified genetic counselor and an instructor in the Master of Genetic Counselor Studies Program at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

Anna works closely with teams at the Carbone Cancer Center, the Digestive Health Center and the Pancreatic Cancer Prevention Clinic to teach families about certain syndromes in which abnormal genes increase cancer risk and how those genes are passed from generation to generation. She conducts personalized risk assessments and identifies family members who are at increased risk and would benefit from special screenings to help prevent cancer in the future.

Anna hopes to improve access and patient care by collecting data about which patients are referred to genetic counseling and why. She also gathers information to compare different types of genetic tests, such as a genetic test performed on a cancerous tumor versus a genetic test performed on a person’s skin or blood, and how these results can tell us different information about a person’s best treatment outcomes and future health.

During her free time, Anna enjoys competitive fencing, exploring Madison and baking.

I empower patients and help them understand their health risks so they can choose the best path forward for themselves and their families.