More than 200 genetic disorders, such as Tay-Sachs disease and Gaucher disease, are more prevalent in the Jewish community than within the general population.
From Feb. 5-11, JScreen, a nonprofit public health initiative dedicated to preventing genetic diseases, will present the fourth annual Jewish Genetic Screening Awareness Week. JGSAW strives to educate the community about the importance of screening for genetic diseases, as well as to raise awareness about testing resources.
Founded in 2013, the Atlanta-based JScreen makes genetic testing accessible and affordable with its at-home saliva kits. JScreen’s reproductive test gives prospective parents a deeper understanding of their genetic makeup and the risk of having a child with a genetic disease. If a couple’s risk is elevated, JScreen genetic counselors privately address their results by phone or video teleconference, and provide options to help them plan for the health of their future children.
JScreen’s cancer genetic test alerts a person to their risk for hereditary cancer. Anyone with positive results can take action for the prevention or early detection of many common cancers.
By providing convenient at-home access to cutting-edge genetic testing technology, patient education and genetic counseling services, JScreen strives to prevent genetic diseases. “Our #1 goal is to ensure generations of healthy children and adults by preventing genetic diseases and hereditary cancer,” said JScreen Executive Director Karen Arnovitz Grinzaid. “The more people we educate and test, the closer we are to achieving our goal.”
Eighty percent of babies with genetic diseases are born to parents with no known history of that disease. Through early genetic screening, potential parents can determine the risk of having a child with a genetic disease before pregnancy, giving them options for family planning and helping to ensure the health of their future children.
Approximately 10% of cancers are hereditary, meaning they are related to genetic changes passed down in a family. Cancer genetic testing identifies people who are at risk so they can take action to prevent cancer or detect it at an early, treatable stage.
“While JScreen’s roots are in the Jewish community, everyone can benefit from comprehensive genetic testing and counseling,” said Rep. El-Mahdi E. Holly (D-Georgia). “For the fourth annual Jewish Genetic Screening Awareness Week, the goal is to ensure that everyone, no matter your race, religion, or background, has access to genetic testing and that all community members have the knowledge to take action, take control, and get screened.”
During JGSAW, JScreen is offering a $72-off coupon code. People can register for testing at jscreen.org and use code JGSAW23 at checkout to receive the discount.
For information about JScreen testing and to become a donor, visit jscreen.org.
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