Health Awareness from One Mother to Another

JScreen, a national non-profit public health initiative dedicated to preventing genetic diseases and hereditary cancer, stands committed to saving lives through genetic screening and education. As May marks Women’s Health Awareness Month and Mother’s Day, it serves as a pivotal time for prospective mothers to gain insights into their genetic reproductive risks, empowering them to plan ahead for the health of their future children. It provides an opportunity for women to explore their own hereditary cancer risks and proactive measures they can adopt to safeguard their own well-being.

JScreen provides education and easy access to comprehensive genetic testing for family planning and hereditary cancer risk. People can access JScreen’s ReproGEN and CancerGEN tests from home, and results are provided via the program’s telehealth genetic counseling services.

In a poignant testament to the power of genetic screening, a mother-daughter duo from Atlanta, Karen Shmerling and Michelle, recount how their lives were impacted by JScreen. Karen shared how Michelle tested positive for a mutation in the BRCA2 gene, significantly increasing her risk for breast, ovarian and other cancers. Karen then underwent testing, revealing that she also carries a BRCA2 mutation. She opted for a double mastectomy in 2020, greatly minimizing her risk of developing breast cancer.

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Karen emphasized the importance of proactive health management: “Genetic testing offers a lifeline for making informed decisions about our health, empowering us to seize control of our futures.” She acknowledges that while she elected to have surgery, other people may choose vigilant monitoring coupled with tailored preventive strategies to mitigate risks. “By proactively managing our health, we can confront potential health challenges head-on and lead fulfilling lives.”