Free National Teleconference Addresses Recent Developments in Breast Cancer Genetics

By Cornershop Creative September 9, 2013

Contact: Elana Silber, Director of Operations
Telephone: 201.833.2341
Email: [email protected]

Teaneck, New Jersey (September 3, 2013) – Sharsheret, a national not-for-profit organization supporting young women and their families, of all Jewish backgrounds, facing breast cancer will present a free national teleconference, “Breast Cancer Survivors: What You Need To Know About Recent Developments in Genetics”, on Tuesday, October 29, 2013, 8:00 p.m. (EST). This teleconference is part of Sharsheret’s National Survivorship Teleconference Series. An audio recording and written transcript will be posted online following the teleconference at www.sharsheret.org.

The live teleconference will feature presentations from experts addressing recent developments in cancer genetics and their impact on breast cancer survivors. Distinguished speakers include Karen Hurley, PhD, Adjunct Faculty at Memorial Sloan-Kettering and Columbia University Teacher’s College, who will discuss strategies for communicating genetic information with family members, and Anya Prince, Esq., Staff Attorney at the Cancer Legal Resource Center, who will address concerns about legal rights as they relate to genetic testing. Sharsheret’s certified genetic counselor, Danielle Singer, MS, CGC, will share how new developments in genetic testing and additional screenings now available may impact breast cancer survivors.

“Women and families who reach out to Sharsheret are attempting to navigate the complex world of genetics, new technology, and new information,” said Danielle Singer, Sharsheret’s Genetic Counselor. “This teleconference will address their questions and ensure that breast cancer survivors understand how recent developments in cancer genetics can affect them and their families even years after active treatment has concluded.”

To register for the teleconference and for dial-in instructions, click here or call toll-free 866.474.2774.

This program is supported by the Cooperative Agreement DP11-1111 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

About Sharsheret

Sharsheret, Hebrew for “chain”, is a national not-for-profit organization supporting young women and their families, of all Jewish backgrounds, facing breast cancer. Our mission is to offer a community of support to women diagnosed with breast cancer or at increased genetic risk, by fostering culturally-relevant individualized connections with networks of peers, health professionals, and related resources.

Since Sharsheret’s founding in 2001, we have responded to more than 30,000 breast cancer inquiries, involved more than 2,500 peer supporters, and presented over 250 educational programs nationwide. Sharsheret supports young Jewish women and families facing breast cancer at every stage – before, during, and after diagnosis. We help women and families connect to our community in the way that feels most comfortable, taking into consideration their stage of life, diagnosis, or treatment, as well as their connection to Judaism. We also provide educational resources, offer specialized support to those facing ovarian cancer or at high risk of developing cancer, and create programs for women and families to improve their quality of life. All Sharsheret programs are open to all women and men.

Sharsheret offers the following national programs:

The Link Program
•    Peer Support Network, connecting women newly diagnosed or at high risk of developing breast cancer one-on-one with others who share similar diagnoses and experiences
•    EmbraceTM, supporting women living with advanced breast cancer
•    Genetics for Life®, addressing hereditary breast and ovarian cancer
•    Thriving Again®, providing individualized support, education, and survivorship plans for young breast cancer survivors
•    Busy Box®, for young parents facing breast cancer
•    Best Face Forward®, addressing the cosmetic side effects of treatment
•    Family Focus®, providing resources and support for caregivers and family members
•    Ovarian Cancer Program, tailored resources and support for young Jewish women and families facing ovarian cancer
•    Sharsheret SupportsTM, developing local support groups and programs

Education and Outreach Programs
•    Health Care Symposia, on issues unique to younger women facing breast cancer
•    Sharsheret on Campus, outreach and education to students on campus
•    Sharsheret Educational Resource Booklet Series, culturally-relevant publications for Jewish women and their families and healthcare professionals