Ashkenazi Jewish People and Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer

• BRCA mutations, the gene changes that cause hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, are found in about 2.5% (one in forty) of Jewish people.
• About 40% of Jewish women with ovarian/fallopian tube cancer and 20% who have premenopausal breast cancer have a BRCA mutation.
• The majority of BRCA mutations in Jewish people occur in one of three sites along the genes. Genetic testing usually begins with a “Multisite 3” panel which looks for these common mutations and is less expensive than full BRCA testing.
• BRCA mutations are associated with other cancers.  Gather your entire family cancer history and speak with a genetics expert about whether the cancers might be hereditary. Cancers related to BRCA mutations include:
  » Breast
  » Ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal
  » Pancreatic
  » Melanoma
  » Prostate
  » Male breast cancer

• People who test positive for a BRCA mutation have options to lower the risk for cancer or detect it at an earlier, more treatable stage.
• Fanconi Anemia is a rare inherited disorder that can affect children who inherit two BRCA2 gene mutations, one from each parent. If both parents have a BRCA 2 mutation, their children are at risk for this disease. This is more likely when both of the parents are of Jewish descent.

Genetic testing for BRCA is done on a blood sample or cheek swab. The test itself is simple, but it’s not always straight forward. Consulting with an expert in cancer genetics like a genetic counselor or geneticist is the best way to assure that the correct test is ordered and the results are properly interpreted.

Genetic counseling is covered by most types of insurance. To find a genetic counselor in your area, visit National Society of Genetic Counselors or Informed Medical Decisions.

Jewish Women Call Angelina Jolie Inspiration For Breast Cancer Surgery, May 15, 2013, Jewish Daily Forward

South Florida Jews Help Unearth Clues to Genetic Diseases, April 25, 2013, SunSentinel

Jewish Ethics and Biotech Innovation Clash in Supreme Court’s BRCA Gene Case, April 18, 2013, The Jewish Daily Forward

Mutations and Men, October 16, 2012, The Jewish Week

Confronting the Silent Killer, October 10, 2012, The Jewish Week

The Right Choice, October 9, 2012, Jewish Journal

Previvor Urges Prevention in Fighting Cancer, September 19, 2012, New Jersey Jewish Times

Jewish Men in the Middle of PSA Controversy, August 13, 2012, The Jewish Daily Forward

Delays Plague Breast and Ovarian Cancer Research, August 14, 2012, The Jewish Daily Forward

Blessing in Disguise, May 10, 2012, The Jerusalem Post

Risky Surgical Business, May 8, 2012, The Jewish Week

BRCA 2 and Fanconi Anemia

A Chance Meeting that Changed My Life

BRCA in the Jewish Community