JScreen, a national non-profit public health initiative dedicated to preventing genetic diseases, announces their participation in National Cancer Prevention Awareness Month in February of 2022. In their efforts to keep up with the latest scientific developments in cancer prevention research and technology, JScreen works in association with Emory University’s Department of Human Genetics to make genetic testing affordable and accessible. To do this, JScreen offers its CancerGEN initiative: an easy, at-home genetic saliva test, which screens for genetic risks for many types of cancer. The mission of JScreen is to ensure healthy futures by preventing genetic diseases, and they will be stepping up that mission this February.
During the pandemic, we learned more and more about the importance of healthcare, with many of us taking more preventative measures against disease. With the majority of Cancer Awareness Months occurring in the fall, such as Breast Cancer in October, and Prostate and Ovarian in September, JScreen emphasizes the importance of maintaining the same level of awareness year-round. CancerGEN, JScreen’s genetic cancer test, tests more than 60 cancer susceptibility genes associated with hereditary risks for breast, ovarian, prostate, colorectal, skin, and many other cancers. JScreen then informs the patient of their risk – if results are positive, they are able to take action for the prevention or early detection of many common cancers. By providing convenient, at-home access to cutting-edge genetic testing technology, patient education, and genetic counseling services, JScreen strives to minimize the incidence of preventable genetic diseases and ensure a bright and healthy future for all.
Common factors that are known to increase the risk of cancer include cigarette smoking and tobacco use, infections, radiation, and immunosuppressive medicines. Meanwhile factors such as diet, alcohol, physical activity, obesity, and environmental factors may also affect the risk of cancer. Some actionable steps you can take toward minimizing your risk starting today include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight and active lifestyle
- Avoiding smoking, second-hand smoke, and tobacco products
- Protecting your skin from the sun
- Staying up-to-date on your immunizations
- Getting screened for cancer regularly
- Knowing and understanding your family history
“We understand the financial challenges and accessibility issues facing many Americans in our modern world,” says Hillary Regelman, Director of National Outreach and Marketing at JScreen. “We know from statistics that half of all men and a third of all women will develop cancer at some point in their lives. We are working toward a future where those numbers aren’t quite so staggering, and that starts with awareness.”
Getting tested through JScreen is easy. All you have to do to receive your simple at-home test is sign up online. You’ll then provide a saliva sample and use the pre-paid postage to mail it in, making JScreen quarantine-friendly since before the pandemic! JScreen’s tests use state-of-the-art genetic sequencing technology to ensure highly accurate results. The robust cancer testing panel includes genes that are actionable, meaning something can be done to help prevent cancer if a person tests positive. JScreen provides results on risk information in the record-breaking time of three weeks or less. A unique feature of JScreen’s process is that it provides access to licensed genetic counselors who are able to provide consults via phone or secure video conferencing to ensure that people understand their results.
Besides the CancerGEN cancer screening test, JScreen also offers ReproGEN, a reproductive test that gives prospective parents a deep understanding of their genetic makeup and the risk of their future child inheriting a genetic disease. As a not-for-profit home education and genetic screening program, one of JScreen’s goals is to make testing affordable. With insurance, CancerGEN costs $199 and ReproGEN costs $149. JScreen offers need-based financial assistance for qualifying individuals.
The proof of JScreen’s passion for saving lives is in the incredible stories they hear, the healthy babies that are born, and the people who now take action to avoid future cancer diagnoses. As the team at JScreen likes to say: “we are a small team with a huge footprint.”
About JScreen
JScreen is a national non-profit public health initiative dedicated to preventing genetic diseases and cancer common in the Jewish and other populations. Headquartered in Atlanta at Emory University School of Medicine, the JScreen initiative provides convenient at-home access to cutting-edge genetic testing technology, patient education and genetic counseling services. JScreen believes the combination of education, access to premier genetic screening technologies and personalized, confidential support are the keys to preventing devastating diseases.
Although JScreen and DTC programs allow participants to screen at home, JScreen’s program is led by medical professionals at an academic medical center and provides medical grade testing that is used in doctor’s offices in addition to specialized genetic counseling follow-up by phone or video-conferencing for people who are identified as carriers.
Please visit JScreen.org for more information.