Breast Cancer Genetics and Jewish Women
Posted 6/4/2009
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I am writing to tell you about an excellent resource for Jewish women with breast cancer. There has been a great deal of recent research in the field of hereditary breast and ovarian cancers (BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes). Although there is still debate as to whether general breast cancer rates are higher in Jewish women than in the rest of the population, we do know that Ashkenazi Jewish women have an increased genetic susceptibility to breast and ovarian cancers.
Sharsheret is a national organization of Jewish breast cancer survivors. It pairs newly diagnosed women with others who have been through the experience and provides other useful services, including:
1. The Link Program: a peer support network connecting young Jewish women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer or who are at high risk of developing the disease
2. Education and Outreach Programs: including health care symposia addressing the concerns of Jewish women. There is also a program called Family Focus for caregivers and family members.
3. Quality of Life Programs: including Genetics for Life focusing on concerns and issues related to hereditary breast cancer and various resources for family members.
Sharsharet can be reached at: 866 474-2772 or email: info@sharsheret.org
Their website is: www.sharsheret.org
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