From our friends at the Washington DCJCC...
“Family Medical History Matters” to Raise Awareness of Cancer Risks Due to Inherited BRCA Gene Mutations in the Jewish Community
On Sunday, September 27, the Washington DCJCC has teamed with Hadassah Greater Washington and Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE) to host a panel of medical experts at “Family Medical History Matters: Hereditary Cancer in the Jewish Community - A Conversation about BRCA1 & 2 Mutations.” For men and women of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, an estimated 1 in 40 people inherit a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation that puts them at a significantly higher risk for developing certain cancers. By comparison, an estimated 1 in 400 people in the general population carry a BRCA mutation. These cancers include breast, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic and melanoma. The event will draw community members from across the metropolitan area.
“Family Medical History Matters” has additional support from major local Jewish and medical institutions. The Jewish organizations include the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia, and the Jewish Community Center of Greater Washington. The medical organizations include the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Suburban Hospital Cancer Program, HIS Breast Cancer Awareness, and the Brem Foundation to Defeat Breast Cancer.
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“Raising awareness about hereditary cancer is of great importance to the Jewish community,” said Carole R. Zawatsky, CEO of the Washington DCJCC. “Genetic counseling and early detection save lives. Knowledge about cancer risks specific to our community empower people to take proactive steps to maintain their health.”
Date: Sunday, September 27, 2015
Time: 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Washington DCJCC
1529 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036
Moderator: Lisa Schlager - Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE), Vice President, Community Affairs & Public Policy
Panelists: Claudine Isaacs, MD - Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Georgetown University Hospital
Judy Macon, RN, MA - Suburban Hospital, Manager of the Cancer Outreach and Education Program
Ali Weinberg - Previvor, ABC News Digital Journalist
The Washington DCJCC works to preserve and strengthen Jewish identity, heritage, tradition and values through a wide variety of social, cultural, recreational and educational programs and services. The DJCC is committed to welcoming everyone in the community; membership and all activities are open to all. The DCJCC is a partner agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and a designated agency of the United Way.
