Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Join JCC Greater Boston and jscreen™ this October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month — explore genetic testing, webinars, community events, and resources focused on hereditary cancer and reproductive health.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month at JCC Greater Boston!
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder that knowledge and early action can save lives. For the Jewish community, this awareness is even more urgent.
- Higher Risk in Ashkenazi Jews: About 1 in 40 Ashkenazi Jewish men and women carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation — more than ten times the rate of the general population. These mutations significantly increase the risk of breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancers.
- Knowledge is Power: Genetic testing helps individuals understand their risk early, when preventive steps and proactive care are most effective.
- Impact Beyond One Person: Testing benefits not only the individual but also children, siblings, and extended family who may share the same genetic risk.
- Prevention Through Awareness: Many hereditary cancers can be managed or even prevented when people have access to the right screening tools and medical guidance.
At JCC Greater Boston, we believe in whole-person wellness: body, mind, and community. By raising awareness and connecting our members with trusted partners like jscreen™, we empower individuals and families to make informed choices that can change lives.
About jscreen
Jscreen is a national nonprofit public health initiative based at Emory University that makes genetic testing and counseling accessible and affordable. Founded in 2013, jscreen empowers individuals to take proactive steps toward their health by offering:
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- Hereditary Cancer Testing: Screening for BRCA1, BRCA2, and 46 additional cancer-related genes.
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- Reproductive Carrier Screening: Screening for Tay-Sachs, cystic fibrosis, and 260+ inherited conditions.
Tests are simple, saliva-based, and can be done at home, with results reviewed by expert genetic counselors via telehealth. jscreen accepts insurance and offers self-pay options to reduce barriers to care.
Through education, innovation, and compassionate support, jscreen helps individuals and families make informed choices that can save lives.
Upcoming Events
jscreen Tabling Event
Tuesday, October 14 | 9am–12pm | JCC Lobby
Meet jscreen professionals, ask questions, and register for genetic testing.
A Modern Approach to Genetic Testing: What You & Your Family Should Know
Thursday, October 16 | 6–7pm | Virtual
A FREE webinar with jscreen staff covering:
- Jewish genetic screening history
- Hereditary risks and prevention
- How at-home testing and telehealth counseling work
Onsite Genetic Testing with jscreen
Monday, October 27 | 9–11am & 6–7pm | Teen Lounge
Pick up your test kit and learn your genetic risks. Enter discount code 2025BostonJCC at checkout to receive $18 off!
Insurance accepted; self-pay available.
Additional Resources
American Cancer Society
A nationwide resource for cancer education, prevention guidelines, and local support programs. Offers information on screenings, treatment options, and survivorship.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
A Boston-based, world-renowned cancer treatment and research center offering patient care, genetic counseling, and local support resources.
Sharsheret
A national nonprofit supporting Jewish women and families facing breast and ovarian cancer. Provides peer support, genetic risk education, counseling, and culturally sensitive resources.
