We are experiencing a revolution
of personalized medicine.

The diagnosis and treatment of genetic diseases have become “personal, precise, predictive, preventable and participatory,” says Aaron Ciechanover, who received a Nobel Prize in chemistry for his work studying the ubiquitin system, which is involved in all fundamental cellular functions including DNA damage control.

While anyone can inherit, develop or be a carrier for genetic disease, those of Ashkenazi, Sephardi and Mizrahi Jewish ancestry are at higher risk for certain mutations. This special resource guide explores proactive measures that you can take to prevent and treat hereditary illness. You’ll learn about new options for genetic testing, the role of a genetic counselor and advances in immunotherapy, plus the personal stories of people whose lives have been affected by genetic disease. Please share this guide with your friends and family.

This guide was  made possible with support from Myriad Genetics | The Basser Center for BRCA | The Israel Cancer Research Fund JScreen | Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc.

 

Profiles

1 | The BRCA2 Male Minority: Matt Diamond 

2 | A Daughter of a Male BRCA2 Carrier: Michelle Wilson

3 | The Road to Discovery: Rachel Chaikof 

4 | Fighting Cancer One Day at a Time: Rona Greenberg

5 | Five Sisters & the BRCA Gene: Cynthia Kimball

First Person

6 | Tay-Sachs: A Parent’s Story: Shari Ungerleider

Interviews

7 | The Role of a Genetic Counselor: Estie Rose

Today, genetic counselors play a critical part in the care of individuals and families with a history of genetic mutations or diseases.

8 | Genetic Testing Can Change Your Life: Danielle Shiller

Soon after Danielle “Dee-Dee” Shiller turned 40, her best friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. Then Shiller, a gynecologist and osteopath, decided to become an advocate for genetic testing. Her message is a positive one: With education and guidance, each patient and family has the chance to change their destiny.

Articles

9 | The Promise of Cancer Immunotherapy 

Sponsored by the Israel Cancer Research Fund

10 | Immunotherapy: Targeting T-cells: Infographic

Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy

11 | Sephardi Jews Need Genetic Testing, Too

Sponsored by the Israel Cancer Research Fund

12 | Six Myths About Jewish Genetic Testing

Sponsored by JScreen

 13 | Hadassah Doctor Brings New Hope to Cystic Fibrosis Patients

Sponsored by Hadassah, the Women’s Zionist Organization of America, Inc.

Resources 

13 | Resources

Reader Survey

Tell Us: Have You Been Tested for the BRCA Mutations?