Needs and Challenges We Seek to Address

According to the CDC, about 1 in 500 women in the U.S. and 1 in 40 Ashkenazi Jewish women carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, significantly increasing cancer risk. Based on 2020 Census data, more than 4,000 women in Maricopa County may be BRCA-positive. Men may also carry the mutation or seek support for themselves or family members, and BRCAteers welcomes individuals of all backgrounds.

As genetic screening becomes more accessible, the Minkoff Center has identified a major unmet need for local support services for BRCA-positive individuals in the Valley. Navigating a BRCA diagnosis can be overwhelming, particularly for those without an active cancer diagnosis. BRCAteers provides a sustainable, structured support network offering education, connection, and guidance for those facing these challenges.

Welcome to BRCAteers

The BRCAteers support group is an initiative of the Minkoff Center for Jewish Genetic, in partnership with local genetic counselors. Our primary purpose is to:

● Provide SUPPORT to the BRCA+ community and their families.

● 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 SCREENING for individuals who need testing.

● Provide RESOURCES and the appropriate genetic counseling SUPPORT to individuals with a known family history of cancer.

Providing Knowledge and Support is Our Priority brca support group

Topics for Support Meetings

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

Important Note

Topics for Support Meetings

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.