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Jewish and Hispanic Women
and Genetic Testing
Jewish Women
​“One in 40 Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jews carries a BRCA gene mutation, nearly 10 times the rate of the general population, making Jewish families significantly more susceptible to hereditary breast cancer and ovarian cancer. If you have a strong family history of cancer, have considered genetic counseling, or have opted for genetic testing, [Sharsharet] can help.”
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“Recent studies show that Sephardic Jewish (Jews from Spain, Portugal, or the Middle East) women may also be genetically predisposed to hereditary breast cancer and ovarian cancer.” There are current studies suggesting that Jews of Ashkenazi descent (at least one grandparent) should receive genetic counseling to test for what is called “founder mutations.)
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​Sharsheret – Support for Jewish Women Living with Ovarian Cancer
“Whether you are living with early or later stage ovarian cancer, we provide specialized support for Jewish women and families. Connect to our ovarian cancer community in the way that feels most comfortable to you. “
"Sharsheret has a team of skilled and sensitive social workers and a genetic counselor who speak to thousands of women, helping us feel empowered to make informed decisions about our bodies, our health and our future... I am grateful to Sharsheret for raising awareness about our genetic risk and providing genetic counseling and support for women in whatever way they choose to handle this information."
https://sharsheret.org/ovarian-cancer/resources/
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​Hispanas And The San Luis Valley
​“Hispanic women are at higher risk for ovarian cancer due to the migration of the BRCA gene mutation through the Jewish population into the Spanish and Mexican populations during the 1600s. Especially at risk are women in the San Luis Valley of Colorado where influences of colonial Spain are evident and the BRCA gene mutations were established.” See article in Smithsonian magazine and book by Jeff Wheelwright for more information.
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https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-secret-jews-of-san-luis-valley-11765512/?no-ist