Office: 480-668-3347
Office: 480-668-3347
The BRCAteers support group is an initiative of the Minkoff Center for Jewish Genetics, in partnership with local genetic counselors. Our primary purpose is to:
● Raise AWARENESS in the community on the importance of knowing about a family history of cancer to better understand any potential hereditary cancer risks.
● EDUCATE the community about the possible risk factors associated with the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 founder mutations.
● Provide genetic counseling and access to low-cost genetic SCREENING for individuals who have a need for testing.
● Provide resources and the appropriate genetic counseling REFERRALS to individuals with a known family history of cancer.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, about 1 in every 500 women in the United States and 1 in 40 Ashkenazi Jewish women has a mutation in either her BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, dramatically increasing cancer risk in this population. Considering the 2020 Census data, more than 4,000 women in Maricopa County are potentially BRCA-positive. While this diagnosis predominantly affects women, men may also carry the mutation or wish to seek support for their own or a familial diagnosis. The BRCAteer support group intends to include individuals from all faiths, genders, and backgrounds.
With the launch of the Minkoff Center’s BRCA education and referral program and the increased accessibility of genetic screening available to the public, the Minkoff Center recently identified a largely unmet need to support BRCA-positive individuals in the Valley. Navigating feelings, options, and decisions related to a BRCA diagnosis can be overwhelming, especially for those not diagnosed with a specific illness or disease. This program will provide individuals with essential support.
While some support programs are available through national nonprofits, there are no local support services for BRCA-positive individuals in the Valley. Keeping with its education and referral goals, the Minkoff Center has done its best to connect newly diagnosed individuals with others who have navigated this new territory. BRCAteers is a sustainable and structured initiative to support BRCA-positive individuals indefinitely.
o Talking to your family and friends about BRCA
o Sharing genetic results with at-risk family members and children
o Insurance and financial impacts of having BRCA
o Navigating the decision-making process of preventative surgeries
o Surveillance vs. Surgery - What’s right for you?
o Stress reduction strategies
o Genetic testing - How to obtain the most accurate test for family members
o Open forum
We’ve designed BRCAteers meetings and support services for individuals (and their family members) with a confirmed BRCA mutation. There may be different medical recommendations if you are high-risk but do not have the BRCA mutation. We encourage you to talk with a genetic counselor or healthcare provider for the best information. If you are interested in getting tested for BRCA, please visit our Get Screened tab above to register.
Copyright © 2024 MCJG. All Rights Reserved